Betrothal
Chapter 2
Ronon Dex strode through Atlantis' long corridors, oblivious to the other personnel as he passed them. His face reflected none of the thoughts racing through his head. As he approached Teyla's door, he paused, his hands twitching slightly at his sides.
Colonel Sheppard had just informed him that Halling, not Teyla, would act as the emissary on Caldron. Ronon had met with Halling, and he liked the big man's stalwart attitude, but still…..Halling wasn't Teyla. And Ronon had grown accustomed to having the skilled woman at his side.
For seven years, Ronon Dex had lived a solitary life, filled with fear and rage.
Constantly moving from one world to the next to avoid capture by the Wraith, and never staying long enough to establish roots, he had adjusted to the loneliness.
Companionship was not an option when you are being hunted for sport.
Then he had met the humans from Atlantis. Although he'd had his doubts about Colonel Sheppard and the rest, he found that he was slowly becoming a trusted member of this team. He had agreed to stay on Atlantis, partly because he felt that he owed these people something for saving his life, and partly because of Teyla.
He had seen the way that she, an outsider and an alien, had been accepted by John Sheppard and the others. Her skills, both as a diplomat and as a warrior, were acknowledged and even appreciated by the humans. Even Dr. Weir, a cautious woman by nature, had come to trust Teyla completely, calling the Athosian leader her friend. It had been many years since Ronon had the luxury of friends. Seeing how well Teyla had incorporated herself, and her people, into the world of Atlantis had given Ronon something to consider, especially after Sheppard and Weir had offered him a spot on the SGA-1 team.
'It had helped that Teyla was already a member of the team,' he thought to himself. At first, it had been difficult for Ronon to fit in. He was used to making decisions for himself, not taking orders. But Sheppard had proven to be a decent commanding officer, his decisions taking into account not just himself and the team, but Atlantis as well. Dr. McKay could be trying on the nerves at times, but Ronon had seen enough of the arrogant scientist to know that, under all the bluster and impatience, McKay was a good man to have at your side. And Teyla…
Ronon raised his hand to knock, and, a moment later, Teyla opened her door. She looked wan and pale, Ronon noted silently.
"Ronon. Please, come in," Teyla said softly. She waved her hand and he entered the comfortable quarters, taking in the surroundings with a glance.
Ronon turned and carefully eyed Teyla as she went to a table, grasped a pitcher of water and poured a glass. At the question in her eyes, he shook his head, and declined refreshment.
"Teyla, Sheppard just told me you are not coming with us to Caldron. I want to know why," Ronon stated. He crossed his arms, his eyes never leaving her face.
Teyla took a small sip of water, then placed the glass carefully on a table. She approached Ronon, stopping a couple of feet from him.
"My reasons are my own, Ronon. You and SGA-1 have no need of my presence for this mission. Halling will be a much greater asset than I," she replied. Her voice was soft, but her eyes held a glint of warning. Ronon ignored it.
"I disagree. I have seen you negotiate trades on other worlds. You have far more skill than Halling," Ronon said.
"Ronon, I have made my decision, and Colonel Sheppard has honored it. I ask the same of you." Teyla stepped closer, raising her face at him. Ronon remained unmoved, just looking down at her, his eyes gauging her reaction. She seemed angry, an emotion he had encountered before, and something else. 'Fear,' he thought in astonishment. He reached down, grasping her arms, holding her tightly.
"Teyla, what is it you fear on Caldron?" he asked harshly. Her eyes widened in shock as he gripped her arms, and, furiously, she lunged back, breaking his grip.
She stood back, rubbing her arms as she decided how much to tell Ronon. Finally, she took a breath.
"What I fear on Caldron is… memories. There is nothing there now that will harm you or the team." Teyla raised her face, hoping to reassure Ronon. "If there was danger on Caldron, do you really believe I would allow anyone to go? I would think that you would know me better by now, Ronon."
Ronon was silent. He knew that Teyla wasn't telling him everything, but he trusted that she would never knowingly send anyone into a bad situation. Slowly, he nodded.
"I do know you, Teyla Emmagen. That's why I am here. I know you are upset and frightened…so frightened, you refuse to accompany us. That makes me…unsettled. But," Ronon paused, trying to organize his thoughts," I do trust that you would not allow us to go there unless it was completely safe. So…"
Again, Ronon trailed off, watching relief wash over Teyla's face.
Teyla took a breath, then approached Ronon. "I thank you for your concern, Ronon. As long as I do not return to Caldron, there is nothing to fear."
She placed her hand on his arm, giving him a small measure of reassurance.
"We will miss having you with us, Teyla." Ronon gave her a small, quick smile, then turned, heading towards the door.
"I'll see you when you return," she called, and he paused, then flashed her a large smile over his shoulder.
"Yes. You will." With that, he strode out the door.
