Shad

Talon had a gift that Melony would never possess – and never would need to thanks to him. He could remember names. She'd always been terrible at it.

She stepped off the porch and up to the male that was standing in the clearing, and when the Light One saw who was approaching he smiled.

"Colonel Mitchell! Where is Teyla?"

Melony smiled, ignoring Talon's snicker of humor.

"Shad, it's good to see you. Teyla's at home. I'm the only one who came."

"Are you here for a visit?"

She nodded.

"More or less. I was hoping that I could talk to Kale and maybe the others – if they're not busy?"

The Light One nodded, smiling brightly.

"If you would permit me, I can carry you to the settlement..."

She'd pretty much expected to have to be carried, which was why she'd made sure that her vest was in good condition before she'd left Atlantis.

"I'd appreciate that."

"I shall pick you up in the clearing." He'd have to go to a larger clearing to transform, and then would need to get into the air before he made the grab for her – and Melony understood this.

"I'll be right there."

As Shad left the clearing, she turned to Cay and Rella, who'd been listening in, and offered them her hand, which they both took.

"Thank you for the tea, and the conversation," she told them.

"You'll stop by before going back to your world?" Cay asked.

"Of course!" Like she'd leave without saying goodbye? "But no drinking."

The Farmers smiled, well remembering what had happened to the Atlanteans the last time they'd shared their special drink with them.

"We'll eagerly await your return."

Melony walked over to the middle of the clearing, looking up and wondering which direction the giant bird that was Shad would be coming from. She really didn't like being carried around by the birds, but since that was the whole point of her coming to talk to the Light Ones, it was something she was going to have to get used to.

At least you're not hurt this time

Yeah. And hopefully we'll keep it that way.

He gave a mental chuckle and there was a shriek from above – a warning from Shad to let her know he was coming. A shadow came over the clearing as an impossibly large bird swooped in, his deadly sharp talons extended as he flew straight at Mitchell.

Brace yourself

Oh, I am...

With a jerk that shook her very bones, Mitchell was grabbed by the bird, his talons catching her by the Kevlar vest and was in only moments carried high above the trees – and only going higher.

Hopefully they still have that haystack.

Shad has probably already let the others know we're coming, Talon said, reminding her that the Light Ones had a telepathic ability to converse with each other. They can get one ready by the time we get there

It was going to be a long flight, after all.

She sighed, and looked down, watching the trees speed by under them.

OOOOOOOOO

There wasn't much to do while being carried – although she wasn't having the trouble with all the blood going to her extremities since Talon was able to keep that from happening. Her legs never fell asleep, and her muscles never grew stiff and sore from being in the same position for too long. By the time the bird carrying her gave a warning shriek and they started losing altitude, however, she was more than ready to be done with this flight.

She looked below her and saw they were already coming close to the side of the mountain that housed the majority of the Light Ones. Little dots that were soon becoming actual forms of several Light Ones started gathering near a large pile of what looked to be soft hay – hopefully.

She braced herself again, waiting.

A moment later, Shad dropped her, and she went flying tail over teakettle into the hay, landing in an undignified heap – but uninjured.

Several of the Light Ones – males and females – came forward to help her out of the haystack, and she rolled out and found herself being helped to her feet by the one she'd hoped to talk to the most.

"Colonel Mitchell," Kale said, smiling as she regained her feet. "It is a true pleasure to see you again."

Melony smiled as well, because for once she didn't have to lean on him and she could actually stand up straight when talking to him and the others – unlike the last time she'd been there.

"Kale, I'm glad to see you."

"Are you well?" The Light One asked. "How is your leg?"

"I'm fine," she assured him. "It's fine. All healed."

He looked down at her leg, as if to assure himself that she was right, but there was no doubting that she was standing there without any sign of pain – which was a first for him, as well. And it was definitely an improvement. He looked from her leg back to her face.

"Are you here to take me up on my invitation of a tryst?"

She blushed furiously, instantly. She'd forgotten all about the invitation he'd made to come back when she was healed so the two of them could enjoy each other's company in the same manner that most of the team had enjoyed the last time they'd been there. Talon's amusement didn't help – and neither did his suggestion that she just say yes, and make sure everything was still working.

"Ah... actually... no." She tried to ignore Talon, who was making it difficult. "I actually came to talk to you and the others – if they're interested – about the Wraith."

"What about them?"

"Kale, why not allow her a chance to rest and have some refreshments before we get her tale from her? It's late enough that she'll have to spend the night, anyways."

Melony looked over at the one who'd spoken, and smiled.

"Thank you, Aron. I have plenty of time," she agreed. "My people aren't expecting me back through the gate for a few days at least – since I didn't know how long it would take to get a hold of you and talk to you."

"Then come inside and have dinner with us..." Aron said, gesturing for Mitchell to follow. "We can talk once you've eaten."