The following week things at the SGC were returning to normal. The women of the village of Hereford were given a clean bill of heath, and were relocated through the Stargate. For the first time in 400 years, they were free.

Despite her worsening condition, Elizabeth Viccars had lived long enough to speak with Robert and Elyn Viccars, and to give Elyn a special gift. It was a precious family heirloom that had been passed down among the generations, a silver claddagh ring.

As promised, Daniel took Elizabeth's ashes off the coast of the Outer Banks in North Carolina and laid her to rest.

Enjoying the tranquility of the lapping water, he began to understand the fondness that Elizabeth Viccars had for beaches. Daniel smiled sadly at the thought of Elizabeth, after 400 years, her journey was over. At least now she was back where she belonged, where she wanted to be.

"What is it?"

Janet's words snapped him out of his reverie. He gave her a smile as he sat down beside her on the sand. "Just thinking about Elizabeth." He said, wrapping his arms around Janet and pulling her close. "And how grateful I am to her."

Janet smiled as she collapsed into the warmth of Daniel's arms. But all too soon, he was pulling back from her. "Is something wrong?" Janet asked, noting the anxious look in his eyes.

"We haven't really talked about what happened last week…"

Janet gave him a reassuring smile. "I'm better now, Daniel. You don't have to worry."

"No, that's not what I meant."

A confused look crossed over Janet's face. "What is it then?"

"I'm…sorry that I forgot our anniversary."

Janet's eyes widened and she let out a disbelieving laugh. "After all that happened you're still worried about a silly fight?"

Daniel grabbed Janet's hand before answering. "It's not that, well, it is kinda…" He let out a sharp breath and continued. "I love you, Janet. And I don't want you to ever doubt how much you mean to me."

"Oh, Daniel…" The earnestness of his expression warmed her soul. "I have never doubted your feelings for me. I was just…tired and angry that night, and I said some things I didn't mean."

"Me too." Daniel said, sounding relieved as he drew her back into his arms.

"I have something for you." He whispered.

Janet pulled back from him, curiosity glinting in her brown eyes. "Oh? What is it?"

"You have to close your eyes."

Janet looked at him quizzically before complying. "Okay…" Janet said, sliding her eyes shut.

Daniel opened the palm of her hand, and after placing a small something inside, he closed her hand back into a fist.

"All right, you can look now."

Janet opened both her eyes and her hand, and gasped as she saw what Daniel had given her. It was a sterling silver ring – a claddagh ring. Tears sprung into her eyes as she inspected the gift. She had seen many claddagh rings before, but never one quite this beautiful. The ring still had the traditional claddagh symbols, two hands holding onto a crowned heart. But in this ring, the center of it featured a stunning heart-cut ruby.

"Oh, Daniel…" She breathed.

"Like it?" Daniel asked, the inflection of his voice sounding both nervous and hopeful.

"I love it." Janet said, wrapping her arms around him tightly.

"That's not all." He said mysteriously.

"Oh?"

"Look closer."

Turing the ring over in her hand, Janet noticed that the inside of the band had been engraved. Inspecting the etching closely, she read the words that were written. "Let Our Love and Friendship Reign Forever."

Daniel saw tears glistening in Janet's eyes as she slipped the ring on her finger.

She stared at the ring on her finger for a minute before she speaking again. "I'm part Irish, you know."

"Really?"

"Uh-huh, on my mother's side. And to the Irish, the way a claddagh ring is worn is considered to be very important."

"The way it's worn…" Daniel repeated. "Like, what direction it faces?"

"Yes, exactly."

Looking down at the ring he noted the heart of the ring was facing inwards, towards Janet. "So, what does that way mean?" He asked, gesturing towards her hand.

Janet smiled and snuggled closer to him before she replied. "It shows the world that I've given my heart to someone."

As Daniel held her close, feelings of utter serenity washed over him like a soothing tidal wave that reached into the very depths of his being.

And for the first time in what felt like so long, Daniel was whole again.