Chapter: 54 - Kerra
Note: After a break I am back on the case with this fic – had a busy few weeks with being ill, trips to Bristol and busy at work. I think after 100,000 words on this story I needed a bit of a break!
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Crisp dew lay over the path as Kerra made her way out of her own people's camp towards the Athosian camp. Her friend Thea had remarked that Kerra should simply move to the Athosian camp to live as she spent most of her days there. Kerra had smiled away the comment, unsure whether it had been simple jesting or a subtle way of her friend showing her disapproval. Or was it perhaps that their people disapproved? Kerra had not wanted to ask for she feared the response.
The path reached the forest area outlying the Athosian territory and Kerra slowed her steps trying to deny the anticipation she felt as she did everyday she walked to the neighbouring camp. She truly enjoyed her work caring for the Athosian children, yet she could not deny to herself that the highlights of her day were in talking with Kanaan. He had completed most of the river project and with his frequent trips to Atlantis she had had fewer occasions to see him. The spring rains had also prevented her from taking the children down to the river which had always given her an excuse to visit him as he worked on the irrigation channels. It had also helped her to encourage him to spend more time with his son, but since Teyla's return both Kanaan and Torren appeared more settled. Seeing that renewed ease in them both had truly pleased her, yet she had felt sad at the fact that Teyla's return meant she saw less of Kanaan and Torren.
However, last week Kanaan had appeared at the Sitter's tent offering to build any furniture they may need. She had quickly decided that a further set of table and stools for the children would be appreciated. He had spent the week working on the request, which had meant he had been much closer in the camp and she had taken the children to watch him create their new furniture.
The new furniture had been finished two days ago and Kanaan had visited twice since to check that the Sitter's did not require anything else. The thrill at his visits had been slightly dulled when he had told her about today's planned festivities. Teyla was visiting her people for the first time since her return and there would be a ceremony to welcome her and her new child. Kanaan had asked if Kerra would care for the children for an extra day so that the parents could be free for the festivities to welcome the new baby into the community. She had immediately agreed, though the flash of jealousy and nervousness at today worried her slightly.
She brushed aside a tree branch that was reaching across the path, sprinkling dew over her as she did and she wiped the early morning moisture from her chilled cheek. The suns were fast rising now, spreading brilliant early morning light across the land. She always enjoyed this time of day; when you could feel the promise of the approaching warmth of the day. Above her the sky was beautifully clear which hopefully meant that today would be bright and sunny for Teyla's return.
Kerra reached the edge of the Athosian camp to find that most of the community were already awake and moving around the tents. A large area had been cleared around a table draped in thick colourful cloths on which had been arranged a circle of smooth stones. Lanterns and flowers were being strung up around the open space. Those working smiled and called out greetings to Kerra as she passed. She returned the greetings before moving away into the avenue of tents, passing more lanterns and the strong smell of cooking filled the air. Kanaan had explained that the festival would last all day and both meals would be prepared on the day. The baby would be greeted in a special ceremony, her name officially given to her and then in the evening they planned a large feast to thank the Ancestor's for both Teyla's safe return and the new Athosian baby. The festivities were expected the last all day and into the night. Teyla and her new family would be staying in the guest tent, which had been set up yesterday.
Kerra reached the Sitter's tent to find another sitter had already opened the tent and set out the toys and furniture for the children in the early morning sunlight. Two children were already there, one of which was Torren. Kerra returned the little boy's smile as she sat down beside him. He was considerably happier now and though he still refused to talk and was rather clingy it was clear to Kerra that he was vastly improving. She stroked his dark hair and he smiled once again as he held up one of his new favourite toys. Kerra did not know the name of animal the soft toy depicted as it had been made on Earth, but Torren loved the toy. She took the toy for him, holding it whilst he turned to building up some colourful bricks. The other child, Asthra, wandered over and settled herself against Kerra.
Gradually more children were brought over to the Sitting area and the activity of the camp grew considerably. Kerra couldn't remember when she had seen the camp so full and busy. Athosians who had chosen to live elsewhere had also arrived, wishing to be present for the festivities and their children soon joined in with the others. The camp's activity and the new playmates for the children meant that they were all rather excitable and Kerra and the other Sitter had to work hard to keep them entertained and distracted. After an hour or so one of the teachers arrived and took the older children aside and began teaching them about the day's ceremony and its origins. Kerra tried to listen in, but the younger children were still rather demanding. So she did not notice Kanaan's arrival until he called her name and she looked round to see him climbing into the sand pit alongside Torren and Asthra.
"Hello, Kaaan. Good day to you." She offered her usual greeting. "How do the preparations go?"
Torren finished hugging his father and sat back down in the sand and continued building up an uneven mound of sand. He stuck a stick into the top of the mound and giggled. Kanaan met Kerra's eyes and they laughed lightly at Torren. It was good to see him so happy.
"The preparations are almost complete as is the lunch. I wanted to check that you would be joining us this evening for the feast." He asked.
Surprised and thrilled at the question she smiled. The Athosians were a very welcoming people and she had already assured others that she would attend, but it was Kanaan's invitation that meant the most to her. "Yes, I am very much looking forward to it. I have not attended an Athosian feast before."
Kanaan smiled. "But, I remember that you have enjoyed some ruus wine before."
A little taken back by the gentle teasing she smiled, knowing she was blushing. She had several other friends in the Athosian camp and on one occasion they had all enjoyed an evening of ruus wine and idle talk. Kerra had only just made it back to her own camp before she passed out from the intoxicating drink.
"I will stay far away from the ruus wine." She promised.
"You can enjoy as much food and drink as you wish, Kerra, there certainly is enough to feed twice our number." Torren had started on another pile of sand, which this time he managed to build up higher.
"Your people have much to celebrate today." She offered, knowing that the entire camp was excited about seeing Teyla again and in meeting her new child. Kerra still felt a little nervous about meeting Teyla. Kerra had begun sitting for the Athosian children before Teyla had gone missing, but they had never actually met and Kerra was slightly worried that somehow Teyla would see her secret affection for Kanaan.
"Yes, we do." Kanaan replied.
Fortunately one child demanded attention at that point and Kerra turned to listen to the child's garbled question. Behind her Kanaan kissed his son's head and stood up from the sand pit. "I will see you later, Kerra. Most of the children will be welcome for the ceremony and if you find yourself free please feel free to watch the naming ceremony as well."
She smiled up at him as he moved away. "Thank you, Kanaan."
He disappeared into the mass of moving people and Kerra lost herself once again in her duties. It was perhaps an hour later when it became clear that Teyla and her family had arrived as the noise level of the camp rose considerably and people began heading through the tents towards the open area across the camp. It was a short time later when Torren stood up and moved away, drawing Kerra's attention.
Kanaan was approaching and at his shoulder walked a beautiful petite woman, and Kerra knew instantly that this was Teyla. Torren giggled loudly and began moving forward to meet his parents, but Kerra gently held him back, not wanting him to walk across the path where others might walk into him. Torren waited patiently in her hands and she saw the massive smile on his face and she felt very emotional to see his joy.
"Teyla, this is Kerra." Kanaan introduced her with a smile.
Kerra let Torren move to his parents and she stood to meet Teyla for the first time. Teyla stood up from hugging Torren and smiled brightly at Kerra. The smile was so friendly and sincere that Kerra instantly found herself liking her.
"Kerra, I have been looking forward to meeting you. Kanaan has told us how you have been so kind to look after Torren."
Flattered at the comment Kerra smiled. "I enjoy looking after him; he is always a good little boy." She looked down at Torren who smiled up at her before he moved past Teyla's legs. Only then did Kerra register the man behind Teyla who was holding several bags. The man smiled down at Torren and ruffled the boy's hair.
"Charin's with Halling, Torren." The man said, obviously having understood Torren's unspoken question. He was a very attractive man Kerra could not help but notice.
"Kerra, this is Colonel John Sheppard from Atlantis and Earth." Teyla introduced the man who turned his handsome green eyes to her and smiled.
"Hi, Kerra, just call me John." Kerra instantly liked him as well. She had not expected to have taken to the two people so easily considering the situation. For Teyla had rejected Kanaan in favour of the other, yet Kerra only felt pleased to meet them and Kanaan seemed relaxed.
"I have heard much of you both." Kerra replied as she returned the smiles. "We were all delighted to hear that you were returned safely following your long ordeal."
"It is certainly nice to be back." Teyla replied as she looked around at the tents and a wide happy smile lit her beautiful face. Kerra felt ever so plain standing beside her near Kanaan, but she swept aside such thoughts.
"Congratulations on the birth of your second child, Teyla." Kerra offered.
"Thank you, Kerra. Are you joining us for the ceremony and feast?" Teyla asked.
"If I am able." Kerra replied, unsure if Teyla was perhaps simply being polite.
"I have told Kerra that she is most welcome to stay for the feast tonight." Kanaan said.
Teyla looked at him and nodded. Kerra found herself watching how Teyla looked at Kanaan, but she saw nothing other than gentle affection and some amusement she noted.
"Well, thank you again, Kerra. We will see you again later. I do hope that you can stay for the feast if you wish." Teyla replied before she turned to Torren who had wrapped his arms around her leg. "Shall we go and see Charin, Torren?" Teyla asked and the little boy's eyes lit up and he turned and began walking away. They all laughed at Torren's little stomping march away from the group back towards all the activity on the other side of the camp.
Teyla smiled once again and moved to follow Torren, catching up with him easily. Kanaan turned to John.
"I will show you to the guest tent so you can put down all your things." Kanaan said politely and Kerra looked up at him. She realised that there could be considerable issues between these two men and she looked over at John to see how he was responding, only to see him smile.
"That would be great, thanks." He replied as he hefted the bags up onto his shoulders. "I think Teyla packed everything her and Charin own."
Kanaan smiled in response. Kerra knew the smile was weaker than his usual smiles, but she could see that he was pleased at John's response. She felt the urge to reach out and touch Kanaan; to lend him her support in some way. He looked to her then and she almost flinched, fearing he had heard her thoughts. His smile deepened.
"I will see you later, Kerra." He said before he turned and moved away.
"Nice to meet you, Kerra." John said as he graced her with another smile before he moved off to follow Kanaan.
Kerra watched them move away and found her self studying how close they walked to each other and the way they held their bodies. She had expected to see considerable tension and distance between them, but though they were far from relaxed with each other, they appeared to be talking politely enough with each other as they disappeared from view.
Kerra returned her attention to the children only to find the other Sitter watching her with a rather knowing smile. Kerra felt the blush to her cheeks as she smiled back and quickly focused on helping Asthra finish her scribbled drawing.
As she helped Asthra, Kerra was aware that a deep tension had eased inside her chest. Teyla appeared to be as kind as others had described her and Kerra had sensed no lingering tension between Teyla and Kanaan. Teyla's new man appeared relaxed enough around Kanaan as well, which implied to Kerra that, for the most part, things had been resolved on all sides, which pleased Kerra. She hoped that today would go well for everyone, but especially so for Kanaan.
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TBC
