I pause at a small table set by the window overlooking the rolling valley
below our village. Hills of soft tanned grass stretch before my eyes.
Lanka places a hand on my arm, looking thoughtfully at me. Although most
of the conversation would have meant nothing to them the servants will have
sensed my pride and in someway hurt rising. A feeling of love and care
flows over me as I meet his eyes. Turning he continues his work placing
wood in a pile in the corner.
I stand and watch as three servants get on with chores in the kitchen. A sense of loss in our midst and I once again consider lowering the punishment from Nina. She avoids my watchful eyes and I ponder whether I use the strength of my abilities to control these people. I shake the thoughts from me, resolving to go to the temple and speak to Parn immediately. I tell them I am going to the temple picking up a small basket from a corner of the room; I join Samantha and Tealc. Lanka brings my temple cloak and we make our way into the village, which has come to life. Lanka leaves us to speak with some friends. The curious stares of my people towards Tealc and Samantha have not dropped but they are less intrusive than before. They look surprised when Samantha and Tealc speak as we pass in our own tongue. A crowd ahead of us, emanating with curiosity and happiness draws us closer. A temple servant was posting a message for the villagers to meet at the great hall this very eve in order for us to share our newfound knowledge of the strangers. As we approach the people smile and offer greetings to us.
Our curiosity sated as to the goings on we turn onto the path to the temple.
"I must meet with Parn, but if you continue on the path by the temple you will come to the great lake. Further along are the caves where our people hid when fighting the gods. I am sure one of the temple servants would show you anywhere you would like to go if your would prefer."
"I think we should be able to find what we are looking for by ourselves" replies Samantha
"May I ask what it is you are looking for?"
"When we first sent the probe through the gate, we detected a certain element here called Naquada. We were hoping to see if there is any substantial amounts and then if we do, we may want to set up some sort of trading agreement with you in order to obtain it."
"The same substance the false gods took from the mines. Of what use is it to you?"
"It's very powerful and we are working on ways to use it to help in ways to fight the false gods. Unfortunately Naquada is not found on earth and so along with our explorations through the stargate to learn of other cultures when we chance upon a planet with Naquada we try to start up trade in order to obtain it" replied Tealc joining the conversation and looking around at the small followers around us.
"I hope you are able to find a substantial amount" I reply smiling as the small group of children following us try not to take their eyes from Tealc, awe emanating at the sight of such a giant, and beauty of the woman beside him.
I sense curiosity from Samantha and Tealc as the numbers grow and Samantha looks at me questioningly.
"They are very curious. They have never seen people such as you before. You may have found my people's curiosity sated but the children will take a little longer. They seem quite taken with you. They will not disturb you, they are heading to the temple for teachings"
Reaching the temple, the children are reluctant to leave us, but I usher them away up the steps. A few linger as I point Tealc and Samantha along the path.
"Follow the path along and round. You will come to the great lake and the path leads around to the caves. If you stay on the path, you will not lose your way. Are you sure you do not need assistance?"
"Quite sure thankyou Rani. We'll be back soon"
They depart along the path and I walk up the temple steps placing my basket at the door, after seeing Parn I would collect fruits and flowers for the night's ceremony and celebration. Entering the temple, I am greeted by a tingling excitement in the air. Curious thoughts and feelings of people wondering about the evening's events have replaced the usual tranquillity. The children's voices fill the air and they whisper their prayers. Kneeling I cross my hands over my chest and utter the same words.
"Kel yen mentrah, poy, mi, su rentrah"
Standing I walk to a temple aide and ask to see Parn if he is not otherwise engaged. The temple is busy and Parn may be inundated with questions from the people. The aide leaves me to seek out Parn and tell him I am here. I stand and watch as a teacher starts to tell the children the same story I told Daniel just and eve before. Sitting wide-eyed, I sense their fascination as they listen, a story, which they like myself will never tire of hearing. As I stand and watch, the hustle and bustle of the temple life flowing over me I feel the sense of concern reach out to me and I turn to be met by the furrowed brow of Parn. I may be able to hide my feelings from most, but Parn is the most empathic of us all. We cannot hide anything from him. Ushering me along the great hall, we walk in silence, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back. Reaching the sanctuary of a private meditation room, I allow my barriers to drop slightly and Parn's concern intensifies.
"Rani, what has happened? I have never felt you so distressed"
"I have performed Suntra on Nina" I cannot even look him in the eyes as I say it. The confession washes over him, and his concern is somewhat sated as he realises my distress.
"Suntra on Nina, of all people" he replies, somewhat surprised. "Rani Suntra is a powerful and somewhat disturbing punishment for both giver and receiver. But there must be a reason why you felt you needed to deal such a punishment on her"
"I awoke this morning to unrest and disturbance. Nina came to my room as usual when Samantha joined us for a moment. I felt hatred, distrust from Nina, and tried to calm her but she seemed somewhat removed. I asked her to leave us until I could have a chance to speak privately about what is going on but in a moment she wished Telchyah upon Samantha."
If Parn's concern had been sated on finding out why I felt so disturbed it was replaced with surprise and concern at the danger such a curse could have caused.
"But now I feel even with the danger it could have brought I was too hard on Nina. Maybe I should have taken the opportunity to find out why she was acting in such a manner"
"No you did right to perform Suntra. Nina is becoming stronger with her abilities and should realise with that strength and power comes responsibility. She should have realised before she uttered the curse what consequences could have happened had she been any stronger. You feel this way because it effects you too. Nina is your student and apprentice, a strong link in your home as well as a life long friend and companion. You will feel her loss because she is as much a part of you and strength to you as you are to her"
"If I feel at a loss I fear what she is feeling. I could feel the physical barrier surrounding her; it was cold and empty. Lonely"
"But it can be lifted. She will come to you in her own time; she will come to realise the danger. In addition, she will explain her action although there is no excuse, and you will lift Suntra from her. However, not until. Do not seek her out for answers Rani, in this you must be strong. We must realise our wrong doing before we can put them right. How did she react?"
"With honour"
Parn nods and looks thoughtful, watching me.
"Something else plagues your mind Rani"
"Daniel"
I frown at the feeling of mock surprise coming from him and then the smile he gives me.
"He was asking me questions about our ways. Why we keep servants as if he found it almost...inhumane. I found it hard to explain and felt as if I had to justify our actions to him. I fear he does not like our ways. I wish to give him deeper understanding but also feel a barrier rising between us"
"He is a curious man and seems only to want to understand us better. You get too protective of your people Rani; you have always had that streak in you. As much as you want to drop Suntra from Nina because you feel a little of her distress and want to care for her as only you can, you feel the need to explain our actions too Daniel in order to gain his approval. Talk to him; ask him if he will allow you to perform the ceremony upon him in private. If he goes ahead the understanding will be so much easier for him and the bond between you will not be broken"
"And if he doesn't wish to take part in the ceremony?"
"Answer his questions, openly and honestly. Do not feel you need to justify yourself to him. He judges only by what he himself comes from. We would be as quick to judge his world and its actions against our own ethics and morals"
I contemplate the wise soft words and realise throughout the whole conversation Parn has used has used some power over myself to calm my fraying nerves and strengthen my mind. Standing Parn places a hand on my shoulder.
"There is much to prepare for tonight, will our friends still be here?"
"I will ask them. I am about to go and gather some supplies for the ceremony; they are gathering some samples of the rocks from the mines to study on their planet. They seem to find it very valuable"
Parn nods his head and leads the way back into the great hall. I drink in the buzzing excitement in the air, feeling refreshed and lightened after my talk with Parn. I leave Parn to be surrounded by questioning children about the eve's ceremony and see Tark speaking with Samantha and Tealc at the temple doorway. When I join them I realise Tark is looking for Nina, I explain she is at the house and it would not be the best time to see her. He must hear a slight sterness in my voice and excuses himself into the temple. I take up my basket from the steps and we make our way down to the path leading behind the temple.
"Did you find what you were looking for?"
"Indeed, your caves are vast and plentiful" replies Tealc
"Oh wow this is amazing" interrupts Samantha before I can reply. Coming to the back of the temple we are met with the glorious sight of the bright colours of Kentalyah trees, Gawt bushes yelk and holg plants. The scent of the flowers fills our noses and rests around us. Tealc and Samantha take in the sight as I start to pick sprigs of holg from a nearby bush.
"The temple gardens. Everything grown here is used for ceremonial purposes. There are things I must prepare for this evening. Will you be staying for the ceremony?"
Before either have a chance to reply a crackling noise interrupts the quiet scene and Jack's voice comes from a small device they carry.
"Carter, Tealc come in"
Taking her device closer to her mouth Sam replies back into it.
"Carter here Sir"
"Got anything on those samples yet?"
"Our initial readings were right. The amount of Naquada in the mines is definitely worth trading for. We've finished our finds"
"Ok, I'll let Hammond know and we'll head back to the village. O'Neill out"
As she has the unusual conversation with the device, I continue picking fruits berries and flowers. Tealc follows me and I hand him some berries of different kinds to try. Turning to Samantha, I hand her a flower, breaking off its bright yellow petals. Bright red spots grow on one side. I raise a petal to my mouth and place it on my tongue. A slight crackling ensues as it dissolves, leaving a sweet taste. I urge Samantha to try it and offer some to Tealc who looks on in curiosity. I sense the feeling of satisfaction and delight coming from Samantha as she tries first one and then another.
"Tastes delightful"
"Just don't eat too many, they can act as an aphrodisiac if too much is eaten. They are the flowers of the marriage ceremonies. When a couple marry their house is filled with them."
Turning to another plant with different coloured flowers budding from it, I hand her a handful.
"These are the flowers we will be using this eve" I reply picking a handful of flowers with different coloured buds and place some into the basket. Picking some of the fallen blossoms of the Kentalyah, I finish my collecting and we turn back to return home.
I stand and watch as three servants get on with chores in the kitchen. A sense of loss in our midst and I once again consider lowering the punishment from Nina. She avoids my watchful eyes and I ponder whether I use the strength of my abilities to control these people. I shake the thoughts from me, resolving to go to the temple and speak to Parn immediately. I tell them I am going to the temple picking up a small basket from a corner of the room; I join Samantha and Tealc. Lanka brings my temple cloak and we make our way into the village, which has come to life. Lanka leaves us to speak with some friends. The curious stares of my people towards Tealc and Samantha have not dropped but they are less intrusive than before. They look surprised when Samantha and Tealc speak as we pass in our own tongue. A crowd ahead of us, emanating with curiosity and happiness draws us closer. A temple servant was posting a message for the villagers to meet at the great hall this very eve in order for us to share our newfound knowledge of the strangers. As we approach the people smile and offer greetings to us.
Our curiosity sated as to the goings on we turn onto the path to the temple.
"I must meet with Parn, but if you continue on the path by the temple you will come to the great lake. Further along are the caves where our people hid when fighting the gods. I am sure one of the temple servants would show you anywhere you would like to go if your would prefer."
"I think we should be able to find what we are looking for by ourselves" replies Samantha
"May I ask what it is you are looking for?"
"When we first sent the probe through the gate, we detected a certain element here called Naquada. We were hoping to see if there is any substantial amounts and then if we do, we may want to set up some sort of trading agreement with you in order to obtain it."
"The same substance the false gods took from the mines. Of what use is it to you?"
"It's very powerful and we are working on ways to use it to help in ways to fight the false gods. Unfortunately Naquada is not found on earth and so along with our explorations through the stargate to learn of other cultures when we chance upon a planet with Naquada we try to start up trade in order to obtain it" replied Tealc joining the conversation and looking around at the small followers around us.
"I hope you are able to find a substantial amount" I reply smiling as the small group of children following us try not to take their eyes from Tealc, awe emanating at the sight of such a giant, and beauty of the woman beside him.
I sense curiosity from Samantha and Tealc as the numbers grow and Samantha looks at me questioningly.
"They are very curious. They have never seen people such as you before. You may have found my people's curiosity sated but the children will take a little longer. They seem quite taken with you. They will not disturb you, they are heading to the temple for teachings"
Reaching the temple, the children are reluctant to leave us, but I usher them away up the steps. A few linger as I point Tealc and Samantha along the path.
"Follow the path along and round. You will come to the great lake and the path leads around to the caves. If you stay on the path, you will not lose your way. Are you sure you do not need assistance?"
"Quite sure thankyou Rani. We'll be back soon"
They depart along the path and I walk up the temple steps placing my basket at the door, after seeing Parn I would collect fruits and flowers for the night's ceremony and celebration. Entering the temple, I am greeted by a tingling excitement in the air. Curious thoughts and feelings of people wondering about the evening's events have replaced the usual tranquillity. The children's voices fill the air and they whisper their prayers. Kneeling I cross my hands over my chest and utter the same words.
"Kel yen mentrah, poy, mi, su rentrah"
Standing I walk to a temple aide and ask to see Parn if he is not otherwise engaged. The temple is busy and Parn may be inundated with questions from the people. The aide leaves me to seek out Parn and tell him I am here. I stand and watch as a teacher starts to tell the children the same story I told Daniel just and eve before. Sitting wide-eyed, I sense their fascination as they listen, a story, which they like myself will never tire of hearing. As I stand and watch, the hustle and bustle of the temple life flowing over me I feel the sense of concern reach out to me and I turn to be met by the furrowed brow of Parn. I may be able to hide my feelings from most, but Parn is the most empathic of us all. We cannot hide anything from him. Ushering me along the great hall, we walk in silence, his hand resting lightly on the small of my back. Reaching the sanctuary of a private meditation room, I allow my barriers to drop slightly and Parn's concern intensifies.
"Rani, what has happened? I have never felt you so distressed"
"I have performed Suntra on Nina" I cannot even look him in the eyes as I say it. The confession washes over him, and his concern is somewhat sated as he realises my distress.
"Suntra on Nina, of all people" he replies, somewhat surprised. "Rani Suntra is a powerful and somewhat disturbing punishment for both giver and receiver. But there must be a reason why you felt you needed to deal such a punishment on her"
"I awoke this morning to unrest and disturbance. Nina came to my room as usual when Samantha joined us for a moment. I felt hatred, distrust from Nina, and tried to calm her but she seemed somewhat removed. I asked her to leave us until I could have a chance to speak privately about what is going on but in a moment she wished Telchyah upon Samantha."
If Parn's concern had been sated on finding out why I felt so disturbed it was replaced with surprise and concern at the danger such a curse could have caused.
"But now I feel even with the danger it could have brought I was too hard on Nina. Maybe I should have taken the opportunity to find out why she was acting in such a manner"
"No you did right to perform Suntra. Nina is becoming stronger with her abilities and should realise with that strength and power comes responsibility. She should have realised before she uttered the curse what consequences could have happened had she been any stronger. You feel this way because it effects you too. Nina is your student and apprentice, a strong link in your home as well as a life long friend and companion. You will feel her loss because she is as much a part of you and strength to you as you are to her"
"If I feel at a loss I fear what she is feeling. I could feel the physical barrier surrounding her; it was cold and empty. Lonely"
"But it can be lifted. She will come to you in her own time; she will come to realise the danger. In addition, she will explain her action although there is no excuse, and you will lift Suntra from her. However, not until. Do not seek her out for answers Rani, in this you must be strong. We must realise our wrong doing before we can put them right. How did she react?"
"With honour"
Parn nods and looks thoughtful, watching me.
"Something else plagues your mind Rani"
"Daniel"
I frown at the feeling of mock surprise coming from him and then the smile he gives me.
"He was asking me questions about our ways. Why we keep servants as if he found it almost...inhumane. I found it hard to explain and felt as if I had to justify our actions to him. I fear he does not like our ways. I wish to give him deeper understanding but also feel a barrier rising between us"
"He is a curious man and seems only to want to understand us better. You get too protective of your people Rani; you have always had that streak in you. As much as you want to drop Suntra from Nina because you feel a little of her distress and want to care for her as only you can, you feel the need to explain our actions too Daniel in order to gain his approval. Talk to him; ask him if he will allow you to perform the ceremony upon him in private. If he goes ahead the understanding will be so much easier for him and the bond between you will not be broken"
"And if he doesn't wish to take part in the ceremony?"
"Answer his questions, openly and honestly. Do not feel you need to justify yourself to him. He judges only by what he himself comes from. We would be as quick to judge his world and its actions against our own ethics and morals"
I contemplate the wise soft words and realise throughout the whole conversation Parn has used has used some power over myself to calm my fraying nerves and strengthen my mind. Standing Parn places a hand on my shoulder.
"There is much to prepare for tonight, will our friends still be here?"
"I will ask them. I am about to go and gather some supplies for the ceremony; they are gathering some samples of the rocks from the mines to study on their planet. They seem to find it very valuable"
Parn nods his head and leads the way back into the great hall. I drink in the buzzing excitement in the air, feeling refreshed and lightened after my talk with Parn. I leave Parn to be surrounded by questioning children about the eve's ceremony and see Tark speaking with Samantha and Tealc at the temple doorway. When I join them I realise Tark is looking for Nina, I explain she is at the house and it would not be the best time to see her. He must hear a slight sterness in my voice and excuses himself into the temple. I take up my basket from the steps and we make our way down to the path leading behind the temple.
"Did you find what you were looking for?"
"Indeed, your caves are vast and plentiful" replies Tealc
"Oh wow this is amazing" interrupts Samantha before I can reply. Coming to the back of the temple we are met with the glorious sight of the bright colours of Kentalyah trees, Gawt bushes yelk and holg plants. The scent of the flowers fills our noses and rests around us. Tealc and Samantha take in the sight as I start to pick sprigs of holg from a nearby bush.
"The temple gardens. Everything grown here is used for ceremonial purposes. There are things I must prepare for this evening. Will you be staying for the ceremony?"
Before either have a chance to reply a crackling noise interrupts the quiet scene and Jack's voice comes from a small device they carry.
"Carter, Tealc come in"
Taking her device closer to her mouth Sam replies back into it.
"Carter here Sir"
"Got anything on those samples yet?"
"Our initial readings were right. The amount of Naquada in the mines is definitely worth trading for. We've finished our finds"
"Ok, I'll let Hammond know and we'll head back to the village. O'Neill out"
As she has the unusual conversation with the device, I continue picking fruits berries and flowers. Tealc follows me and I hand him some berries of different kinds to try. Turning to Samantha, I hand her a flower, breaking off its bright yellow petals. Bright red spots grow on one side. I raise a petal to my mouth and place it on my tongue. A slight crackling ensues as it dissolves, leaving a sweet taste. I urge Samantha to try it and offer some to Tealc who looks on in curiosity. I sense the feeling of satisfaction and delight coming from Samantha as she tries first one and then another.
"Tastes delightful"
"Just don't eat too many, they can act as an aphrodisiac if too much is eaten. They are the flowers of the marriage ceremonies. When a couple marry their house is filled with them."
Turning to another plant with different coloured flowers budding from it, I hand her a handful.
"These are the flowers we will be using this eve" I reply picking a handful of flowers with different coloured buds and place some into the basket. Picking some of the fallen blossoms of the Kentalyah, I finish my collecting and we turn back to return home.