Yup, Chapter 3! Things are starting to get a little more fun now, all I can say is... I wish I had one of those imaginations that visualises things really well. :P Anyway, hope you guys like it, and as usual, I'll update as quickly as I can.
The sun rose over the sky, Telana watching it stoically. Truthfully, she had been awake long before the colours of sunrise had even begun to appear, but somehow she felt she wasn't fully awake until those bright rays passed over her land. Because it was her land. As had happened so readily through the night, a twinge of worry passed through her. The strangers weren't even awake, and yet she was already tense from the thought of the day ahead. Leaning softly against her staff, she let a small sigh pass her lips.
"Are you alright Telana?"
Slowly she turned, to the waiting smile of her closest friend, Aranis. The young woman had been her deputy for many years now, and even though her body showed youth, her eyes showed the wisdom of a woman of many experiences.
"I am as fine as expected Aranis." Telana replied honestly, before straightening up a little. "Have the visitors made any moves yet?"
"Not yet, no." Aranis pursed her lips softly, her gaze inevitably shifting to the rear end of the village. "Even though it is already dawn…"
"Aranis." Telana's soft tone was filled with warning nonetheless. "Believe me when I say that I am just as worried about them as you are. But I truly believe there is nothing to fear from them." Here she lowered her gaze a little, making sure to lock it with Aranis's fully. "I know it has been a long time, and the recent events were not fully anticipated. But we must learn to trust again."
"There is trust Telana, and there is disobeying Anyana's gift." Aranis straightened up then, her eyes narrowing, her voice tensing. "You know well enough that it is because of her that we have lived as we have for so long, that the knowledge of our ancestors is continued."
"And you remember the days of Anyana do you Aranis?"
Aranis physically shrunk back, her gaze lowering for a moment. "Of course not Telana, as we all know, only you are gifted with such memories. But still…"
"Then I will hear nothing more."
Aranis paused at that, and then shrugged, even though her eyes showed her true feelings. "Very well. I will go and remind the visitors that they should be awake." With a small nod of her head, she moved off.
Telana watched her go with a soft sigh, before turning back to the view. It was true that she remembered the days of Anyana, but even to her they sometimes seemed so unreal. Her gaze drifted down to her own body, young and supple, the body she'd had for many years now. Her fingers tightened around her staff, and she shook away the demons within her mind. The presence of the men was beginning to worry her, but she pushed back the old memories and turned instead back to the village. Much time had passed; so much that perhaps it was time to learn some new ways.
Elizabeth winced as the sound of, what seemed to her to be a very loud moose, rang through the village. Wondering for a moment if perhaps she was dreaming, she noticed Rodney's rather loud groan from down below. "It would've been a weird dream anyway." Elizabeth muttered, before stretching within the low hammock, and then deftly sliding off it. Avoiding Rodney's still half-awake form, she tiptoed over to the front of the hut. Peeking her head out of the hut resulted in being met fully in the face with one of the female guards. Blinking for a moment, Elizabeth tried her best to arrange her features into a face that had been awake for more then a few seconds, while sending the guard a cheery smile.
"Good morning, um, can I ask-"
"The call for morning meeting has begun." The woman cut in with succinctly. "The horn of Anyana calls. Rise, and meet by the campfire." Pausing for a moment to peer inside the tent, she then added. "And bring your slumbering man."
Elizabeth simply raised an eyebrow in reply, and then stepped back in. Rodney was still on the floor groaning his way to an awake state, so Elizabeth strode in, unceremoniously nudging him with her boot. "Rodney, wake up! We've got to go to the dawn meeting… I guess we overslept."
One of Rodney's eyelids flickered, and he moaned softly. "Do I have too?"
"Rodney, I'm not your mother."
Rodney physically shuddered at the thought, before slowly peeling himself from the mat. "Uh, that is one hard floor. Do you think maybe we could swap sleeping places?" The look from Elizabeth gave him his answer, and he sighed as he rose fully. "I guess not. What's this meeting anyway?"
"I told you last night. Telana wants to meet us all, and explain our initiation." A light smile flickered on Elizabeth's face, and she added. "Actually, I'm quite looking forward to it. It'll be good to-"
"'Get back to basics'." Rodney mimicked back to her, before raising his hands. "Fine, fine, I'll stop complaining."
"Good." Elizabeth muttered back, before striding out of the hut. With no choice but to follow his 'watcher', Rodney stumbled after her, brushing dirt from his clothes. "Do you think we'll get a change of clothes or anything like that? I don't think the uniform's going to last unwashed for three whole days."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes, even though mentally she wondered that herself. There wasn't much time to expand on the thought though, as they quickly approached the campfire. She felt a spark of guilt, as she noticed the rest of her team fresh-faced and ready to go, and quickened her pace.
Telana sent them both a quizzical look, before turning to the full audience before her, a mixture of the Atlantis team, and Alonins. Aranis stood beside Telana, taking particular attention to the movements of the men around. "Now that everyone is here." Telana ventured, neglecting to look towards the two late-comers. "I would like to begin the initiation."
Elizabeth settled down quickly, her gaze intently focused on Telana's features. Throughout the night she'd had pangs of worry, namely because she wasn't sure how she could handle three days sleeping in the same place as Rodney. All of the reassurances she'd delivered to her team, had seemed to evaporate in the clear light of the morning. But she certainly couldn't back out now. Suddenly then she realised Telana was watching her expectantly, sending her a light gesture to rise. Unsure of what exactly was being asked; Elizabeth followed the gestures, her gaze sweeping around.
"Elizabeth, leader of the Earth's people, you wish for you and your people to become honorary Alonins yes?"
"Uh, yes. Absolutely. It would be an amazing honour."
There was a badly-masked snort from Aranis, which Telana deftly ignored, before she nodded. "Very well then, we shall begin your trial. Firstly, you must give up all your possessions."
John suddenly stood up then. "Hey, wait, no, we can't do that. What if someone attacks-"
"John." Elizabeth warned him, her head shaking. "This is no time for your outbursts. The planet will be safe I'm sure." Turning back to Telana, she nodded with a smile. "We'd be happy too."
"I'm glad to hear it." Telana shot John a look, before gesturing to a large pot before her. "Please place all that you have on you within the pot."
Elizabeth gestured for her team to follow, and stepped forward, removing various things from her body.
"Uh, does this include food?" Rodney asked then. "Because I've got some good energy bars and-uh." He caught Elizabeth's look, and sent Telana a shrug. "Never mind. Just, make sure you don't give me anything with lemon right? In fact, maybe I could write a list-"
"Oh just shut up about ya allergies will ya, ya pompous-"
"Pompous!"
"Gentlemen!" Elizabeth rolled her eyes at the two men. "Could you please refrain from your comedy for one moment? This is meant to be a serious initiation, you can provide entertainment when it's all done and dusted."
"Yes, please, we would like to move along." Telana nodded to Elizabeth, before gesturing to the team. "And so if you'd like to put everything in the pot please."
Elizabeth sent Telana a confused look, gesturing to her uniform. "We've put everything in; weapons, ornamentation…"
"Everything?"
Telana's enquiry triggered something in John's mind, and he suddenly laughed. "Wait a minute, you want us to strip!"
Telana frowned at John, before pointedly replying to Elizabeth. "You must leave everything of your normal life Elizabeth; this includes the clothes you come with. To be a true Alonin, you must first start with nothing, and then we will give you what you need."
"Yes, well I understand that, but…" Glancing around, Elizabeth licked her lips softly. "You want us to… strip in front of you all?"
"Oh no, of course not." Telana laughed warmly at that, even Aranis joining in with the merriment. "Why, we wouldn't be that intrusive. Nakedness is not required."
As Elizabeth and her team showed signs of relief, Telana added. "Just your underclothes will be sufficient."
"Ah." Elizabeth sighed, before shrugging. "Very well, I suppose it's not like its freezing or anything. Come on everyone…"
"Wait a minute!" Rodney suddenly shouted, folding his arms fully. "Why should we have to display ourselves to these strangers?"
"We will provide you with new clothes." Telana said softly, trying her best to not become frustrated. "What you are asking us to do is much worse, as we are displaying our culture, our true selves. Is that not worse?"
"Depends on your view really…" Rodney muttered, Carson and John nodding along with him.
"I myself see no problem." Teyla suddenly cut in with, beginning to remove her top. "This is after all, to prove ourselves. And the Alonins deserve to be treated with respect."
John rather obviously averted his eyes, staring fixedly ahead of him. "Uh, well, I suppose if you girls aren't worried, I mean that's what I was really worried about…"
"Ya, I guess it ain't so bad." Carson muttered, taking the cue himself, although keeping a good distance from Jane as she sent him a flirtatious smile.
This only left Rodney. As the team began to remove their clothes, he rolled his eyes. "Fine, fine! It's not as if I'm wearing anything embarrassing anyway…" Mentally he wished he hadn't worn his 'Born to Trek' boxers, while muttering to no-one in particular. "Feel like I'm at a Betazoid wedding."
With the team fully publicly embarrassed, and their uniforms stashed with their other belongings, Aranis appeared from a nearby hut with a pile of leather garments.
"The women will wear the Alonin dress as we all do, the men…" Here Telana paused, and she sighed. "Obviously you understand our predicament; we have not had men here since before Anyana's time. Thankfully we did have some preparation time, and we were able to consult historical records. Apparently men wore skirts similar to ours, but smaller, with the option of vests."
The men let out their relief in unison at that, before the members of the team moved forward to collect their garments. As simply made as they were, Elizabeth had to concede that the leather fitted remarkably well. Adjusting the belt, she then glanced to the boys. A light snicker passed her lips, and Rodney sent her a scowl. "What?" She shrugged back to him, before moving to Teyla and Jane.
"I wonder what the first test will be." Teyla voiced aloud, she herself adjusting her clothes a touch.
"You're saying you have no idea?" Jane replied, seeming surprised. "I thought you actually knew the Alonins quite well, I'm even surprised you have to do this."
"Well, it was another matter with my people. Now I am… different."
Elizabeth frowned just a touch at that, turning to Teyla. "I'm sorry, we haven't jeopardised your people's relationship with the Alonins have we?"
Teyla sent her a reassuring smile as she shook her head. "No, absolutely not. As I said, they see me as someone different now. Part of my people, but also part of you. For this, I must strengthen my trust. Besides-" She smiled just a touch then. "It may be quite fun. It has been hard to adjust to so much technology on Atlantis; it is nice to return to the wilds."
"That's what I was saying to Rodney." Elizabeth replied, rolling her eyes though as she gestured to the men not too far from them. "But all he's done is whinge about how much he wants his energy bars, or his laptop."
"Well, you know what Rodney's like." Jane suddenly cut in with then, before she realised the significance of her words.
Elizabeth brushed them aside though, laughing instead. "Yes, well I bet Carson's not too different. Or John for that matter."
"Actually, Major Sheppard seems particularly enthused about going on this 'ramble' as he calls it."
"Now actually, I take that back, that doesn't surprise me." There was a light chuckle as all three women watched the men, before it was broken by a sigh from Jane. The other two turned to look at her, and she shrugged.
"I can't really speak for Carson. We've hardly spoken one word. I've tried to be friendly, but he just keeps ignoring me."
"Perhaps he believes you are trying to seduce him Dr. Heightmeyer."
"Well…"
"You are?" Elizabeth seemed surprised at that, before frowning lightly. "What exactly did happen between you two anyway? I mean, we thought after everything that happened…"
"Believe me, you're not the only one." Jane murmured with another sigh. "Anyway…" She turned then to Elizabeth. "What about you and Rodney? No luck there I take it?"
Elizabeth pursed her lips for a moment, before nodding to the group of men. "Perhaps we should get back, I doubt Telana would appreciate us leaving those three on their own." Even though she was aware of her own bristling, Elizabeth tried her best to ignore it, instead focusing on the three bickering men ahead. Jane and Teyla followed, moving to meet with 'their men'.
"Can I ask what's going on?"
"These two are bickering about who looks better in these shorts." John beamed back to Elizabeth, before sending a grin to Teyla.
"Shorts?" Elizabeth replied with surprise, surveying the nearest man's attire, which just happened to be Rodney. "I thought they were skirts?"
"Well, they have this pouch you see; you can sort of attach it like a weird belt. Turns it into a skirt and stops… stuff, y'know-"
"Uh, yes, I think I get it John." Elizabeth replied, trying her best to ignore thoughts that naturally sprung up in her mind. "So, what, you two don't like it?"
"Are we supposed ta?" Carson muttered back, gesturing to his small shorts. "The vest's alright, but have ya seen how short these are? I can barely bend down in 'em!"
"Really? Why don't you demonstrate?" Jane smiled sweetly to Carson, gesturing around.
Sending her a deep scowl, Carson then turned to Elizabeth. "Can't ya talk ta Telana or something?"
"Carson, now you know I can't do that. You heard what she said; those are historically what Alonin men wore. If you want, we could always get you a nice skirt?"
John snickered softly at that, while Rodney chuckled himself. "He'd probably enjoy it; I've heard those Scots wear them all the time."
"For the last time, it ain't a skirt, it's a kilt!"
"Yeah, and a skirt called by any other name would still be as girly."
"Oh ha-ha."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes for what must have been the millionth time that day, and she grabbed hold of Rodney's arm. "That's it. You will all like this, and I will not hear any more complaints okay? Rodney, from this moment on, you don't speak until you're spoken to… by a woman."
Rodney's eyes widened at that, and he opened his mouth to reply, only to have it immediately shut by the look that Elizabeth sent him. With a deep sigh, he agreed with a nod, although his features still remained in their sulky expression.
"Right then, let's get back on with the initiation shall we?"
"Yes, let's." Telana suddenly interjected with, scowling obviously from the loud interactions that had been going on between the team. "If you will arrange yourselves in your pairs." Sending out a light gesture, she then dug her staff into the ground a little deeper. "Now that you are all assembled in the proper gear, I shall give you your first task." Again, Aranis appeared from nowhere with supplies, setting them down in front of the group. Telana smiled warmly to her, before chuckling. "I'll leave Aranis to explain it to you all."
Aranis strode forward then, deftly snatching a long spear. "Your first task is to learn to fend for yourselves. Each Alonin must know how to defend themselves, and how to survive should they be separated from the rest."
"Well, no problems in defence." John cut in with then, stretching his neck muscles, sending Aranis a playful grin. "I'd be able to show you a thing or two I'm sure."
Without even turning her head, Aranis suddenly shot out the spear, not even giving John enough time to dodge it. Instead all he could do was slowly turn around and watch the spear slow from it's quivering right next to his ear. "Uh, very impressive."
Aranis finally turned then, a feral smile upon her lips. "I am the best of the Alonins. Perhaps I will teach you sometime, ifTeyla believes you are up to it." Her gaze shifted over to the nearby spears then, and she gathered a number of them up, passing them to each group.
"Each group has ten spears, a knife each, and a net. How you decide to catch your prey, you shall decide on your own." Her eyes narrowed as she studied the sky, then glancing back to the three women. "This will be a contest. You shall return before the sun has set. The prize going to whoever brings back the greatest spoils."
"The prize being?"
Aranis met John's gaze once more, and she smirked softly. "The prize is not being the one unfortunate enough to lose."
"Ah, I see." John nodded knowingly. "One of those contests."
Teyla glanced over to Aranis then, her tone curious. "May I ask what will be considered the greatest spoils? Would this be numbers, or size, or some other requirement?"
"Come on Teyla, you don't know the importance of size?"
Teyla just blinked back at John, while the others snickered. Aranis and Telana seemed oblivious to the joke as well; Aranis growling just a touch under her breath. It was enough to silence John, and draw attention back, with Aranis nodding to Teyla. "An intelligent question. But it is also one of the tests. You must use your own judgement, as to what are the best catches. Now, if there are no more intelligent questions, you may go on your way."
"Where, exactly?" Elizabeth asked curiously, glancing around the area.
"Wherever you wish." Telana spoke up with, gesturing around. "Although of course you don't know our area to well, and I like you all, so I will give you some help." Even though Aranis shot her a look, Telana continued. "There is a river not far from here, just north-west, thriving with fish, including Bloomas. They are… slightly hard to catch, as they hide and sneak very well, but are prized more so because of that. Also, the forests are well known for Sahka Deer, and Rektals; fat, low animals, with four legs and small horns. They're distinctive by the blue tufts on their heads."
"Thank you Telana." Elizabeth smiled warmly to that, bowing her head. "We will certainly do our best."
"Good luck then. I look forward to your return before sunset." Telana returned the warm smile, her staff rising now, the tip sweeping across the horizon. "Go, but be careful, those that you seek to catch, will not simply be waiting for you to take them."
Rodney rolled his eyes at that, before he grabbed the various supplies they'd been given, strapping the spears into the makeshift leather backpack they'd also been supplied with. Like the rest of the team, he and Elizabeth set off in the direction of the woods.
John and Teyla were the first to veer off, sending a jaunty wave, before they bounded off through the trees. Soon after Jane and Carson followed, Carson having voluntarily taken it upon himself to copy Rodney's own silence. As the trees closed around them, Elizabeth allowed a warm smile, and she idly fingered her new knife. The sun created spots of warmth through their slow journey, and the air felt refreshing. Her cheery thoughts were only interrupted when she heard heavy breathing behind her. Stopping abruptly, she then yelped as Rodney strode into the back of her. "Rodney!"
"What? What'd I miss?" In a surprisingly quick move for Rodney, he yanked out a spear and swung it around him madly. "Is it a Wraith?"
Elizabeth just raised an eyebrow at Rodney. Slowly the realization that if there was a Wraith around he probably wouldn't still be alive dawned, and Rodney lowered the spear. By the time he looked at Elizabeth fully, she was nearly on the floor with tears of laughter.
"Oh, fine, thank you. Just laugh at the man who was trying to save your life!"
"With a spear?" Elizabeth managed to sputter out, leaning against a nearby tree to stop her from collapsing fully.
Rodney scowled even more, arms folding across his chest. "It's not my fault if a certain Alonin leader made us remove our weapons."
Elizabeth, now slightly more composed, moved over to him with a warm smile. "Okay, I get your point. In a way, we are sitting ducks, and… I do appreciate how quickly you reacted. I suppose, well…" Her gaze drifted down Rodney's form, and then returned to his face. "Never mind."
Rodney blinked at her retreating form. There was definitely something in the way she'd looked over him, something that started his blood pumping. He blinked down at his hands that had started clenching on their own, and shook his head. Certainly, there was no way he could ever justify leaping on Elizabeth in the forest. Maybe it was a repressed adolescent urge from watching too many of those low-budget Amazonian movies. He just had to push those thoughts away, namely because Elizabeth was staring at him.
"I'm coming." Rodney muttered, jogging up to her. "Why did you shout my name anyway?"
"I was just wondering if you were okay." Elizabeth seemed genuinely concerned, watching him curiously as she added. "I heard you breathing heavily."
"Oh, it's probably just some of my old allergies." Rodney sighed back to her, gesturing around the forest.
"Really?" Elizabeth's concern rose even more, and her gaze cast around. Suddenly she smiled, pointing just left of them. "I think that shouldn't be too much of a problem. I believe we may have just found that river that Telana was talking about."
"Great, fishing." Rodney muttered, but just enough so that Elizabeth could pick up on it. Despite his effort, she ignored the moaning, striding forward to the clearing.
"Don't worry Rodney." Elizabeth suddenly turned then, sending him a dazzling smile. "You'll enjoy it. If I don't achieve anything else these three days, I'm certainly going to make you enjoy yourself. Even if it is only for a few moments."
Rodney watched her move over to the edge of the stream, finding he couldn't deny a welling of guilt within his stomach. It was obvious to him at least, that Elizabeth was still hurting, still stressed from all the problems that had hit Atlantis lately. He hadn't realised it before, but this was actually a semi-vacation for her, probably all she could ever come to allow herself. And as usual, he was thinking of himself. A frown marred his features briefly, before he moved over to Elizabeth's side.
"Hey, look I'm sorry if I've been grumpy you know-"
"Rodney." Elizabeth smiled to him suddenly then, squeezing his arm. "You're just being you right? Anyway, less chat. We've got to beat the others remember? Now, hand me that net. Let's see what we can find."
Rodney paused just long enough to study her. Maybe she was just as stubborn as he was when it came to showing what she was really feeling. But then maybe he was reading too much into things. With a quiet inner sigh, he pulled out the net, and handed it to her. These three days were certainly going to be something.
