And for the 3-5 people who read this :o) the way overdue fifth chapter.
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When dawn broke the team was up, had been for awhile, in order to discuss a few of the finer points for the day. They were all prepared when Renato came to collect them, bringing them outside where many of the city's occupants were already milling around. The festival had apparently been underway for awhile already, laughter could be heard ringing out as children joyously ran through the streets; chasing one another in their play. The people wandering around matched the general tone of the day, clothed in their most vivid and best attire - to one with subtle tastes, the whole scene might have appeared garish.

Brightly colored tapestries were hanging around the market area, all crafted with the utmost care by the hands of some master weaver. Elaborate designs rolled gracefully across the surface of each tapestry, bringing the serpent markings they bore to life.

SG1 quickly found themselves seated at a table near the council, a wide array of delicious looking foods placed before them. The Council members themselves were already consuming their meal, various other citizens doing likewise. Apparently there was little decorum observed during the Serpari festival, commoners and officials were treated alike. As the team ate, in relative silence, they observed the mirth among the Marsi people and relaxed marginally. By no means, however, did they let their guard down. Daniel was watching those around him carefully, the Coryphaeus in particular.

The gray-haired woman was perfectly still - except the dark eyes that were constantly flickering between the members of SG1, her people, and the forest that lay in view. To her the woods were a blemish on her otherwise perfect planet, as for the creature that lay within the gloomy borders... She stood, and without saying a word everyone fell into a silence that reigned absolutely.

"We bid welcome to our guests on this most joyous day." The small woman's voice touched the air, commanded attention with an authority that was at odds with her size. "We hope they will consent to join in our celebration and aid us in our hunt." With those words spoken, that shrewd gaze came once more to rest upon SG1.

Daniel shivered involuntarily as the uneasiness of the previous day swept over him once more, still without an identifiable source. As a result of this he couldn't keep the tension in his body from showing, at least to those who knew him and took notice of both his subdued manner and general stillness. Likewise, he could tell that his teammates were skeptical - especially when the idea of a hunt was mentioned.

"So this hunt," Jack began conversationally, "what's it all about?"

"Since the death of our Goddess, we have annually hunted the creature who stalks the shadows. It's death will signal the time of her return."

Jack could have sworn he noticed several quick glances traded between a number of the people around them, but that might have been a result of the touchy topic. He subtly signaled Sam, who from all appearances was about ready to question something, indicating that she not speak. Teal'c acknowledged the gesture, though the big Jaffa wasn't about to say anything regardless - attention fixed now upon the approaching group of armed soldiers. Jack wasn't worried even at the sight of the small contingent. They had spears and shields, he had a P90 among other weapons; his team similarly outfitted.

The Coryphaeus motioned to the two lead men, who strode forward; offering their weapons to Jack and Teal'c. "No, that's alright. We have our own." He tapped the fingers of one hand lightly against the metal of the gun.

"What exactly do you expect us to do?" Carter finally questioned, her blue eyes curious.

"Why find and kill the creature of course." The Coryphaeus spoke, her tone indicating that it should have been obvious.

"You want us to destroy this...monster... for you?" Clearly the archaeologist was having doubts about the whole idea.

"Daniel," Jack warned softly, smoothly cutting in before the gray-haired woman could speak - the wrath visible within her gaze. "Not now."

"But Jack, how can we be sure..."

"I said not now." The colonel's voice rose marginally to emphasize the last word, causing the linguist to bite back whatever reply he may have thought to make.

Daniel got it, and he believed that, yes, they would discuss it later. Focusing on the prospect of rushing out to face an unknown enemy, he couldn't keep the frown from writing itself across his face. Instead of saying anything more, he followed Jack's lead as the colonel rose and headed toward the forest. O'Neill had apparently grown weary of discussing anything with the leader of the Marsi. When the archaeologist glanced back towards the woman, herself, he noticed a hard gleam in her eyes. She must really want this thing dead... But even as he thought it, he couldn't help believe that there was more to it.

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"Apparently these are the tracks we're supposed to be looking for."

"Jack, those are wolf tracks.."

"I'm aware of that Daniel."

"Are you also aware of how many wolves there must be around here?"

O'Neill didn't respond this time, only stopped to fix Daniel with a 'don't say another word' glare, which seldom had the desired response from the current target.

"Does anyone else get the feeling there is more to all this than they've told us?" Sam broke in as they started moving again, playing peacekeeper.

"I believe that to be so, Major Carter." Teal'c responded in his usual tone, cautious of the forest that had once more grown thick about them.

"Well, I can't say I'm not glad to be out of that city. The way that Corp.."

"Coryphaeus." Daniel supplied without thinking.

Slanting a half annoyed glance at the linguist, Jack continued, "The way she was acting, I was waiting for the flying monkeys." The colonel may have said more, but it was at that moment that the red flares erupted around them and the whole world dissolved into brief pain; replaced by a vast nothingness.