THREE
Three hours after Halling's return, the rescue team arrived through the Stargate and were greeted by ten women who guided them to the castle.
When Laura first spoke of her idea, it seemed ludicrous. But as the minutes wore on, the prospect of saving Sheppard and his team wore on her mind.
Still, a nagging part of her wondered if she was really doing this for altruistic purposes. Or was this all about getting laid?
Not that it mattered anyway. She was in the thick of it now. She kept a mantra in her mind as she walked: I'm Dr. Elizabeth Weir…I speak five languages, I've brokered hundreds of negotiations…I've had sex lots of times…I'm due for a good romp…I can do this…
Their escorts broke away as they entered the main greeting hall: an elaborate building with richness of colorful fabrics, beautiful sculptures and enormous candelabras. The society and culture reminded her of the Renaissance period on Earth. Everyone in elaborate robe dresses or tunics, beautifully coifed and seemingly the most relaxed group of people she'd come across since arriving in the Pegasus Galaxy.
Probably had something to do with the lack of Wraith cullings.
Teyla took the lead, staggering ever so slightly on their journey toward the castle. Laura and Sharon did their best to help keep her upright. She wasn't looking so good. The pain meds either hadn't kicked in or were already wearing off.
Carson was going to have a fit when he realized she'd been whisked away from Atlantis while he treated some innocuous wrist strain on the Daedalus. Linsey didn't ask questions when she was recruited. Not that she wouldn't later, but that was something to worry about, well, later.
Teyla managed, somehow, to hold her head high and carry herself in the usual regal manner she possessed.
While following the Athosian leader, she kept the mantra going non-stop. It wasn't that she was scared or anything…okay maybe a little. This was a big deal after all.
Suppose he doesn't like me?
What if he doesn't find me attractive?
Teyla had seen her fidgeting during their walk and had assured her that Treyhil would find her alluring and desirable. But she had her doubts all the same.
I'm Dr. Elizabeth Weir…I speak five languages, I've brokered hundreds of negotiations…I've had sex lots of times…I'm due for a good romp…I can do this…
"Teyla Emmagan!" A deep, resonate voice called. A man's voice that sent pleasant chills down her spine.
"Lord Treyhil. It has been many days."
He stepped forward then, his shimmering burgundy robe flowing out behind him in grand fashion. He wore only cloth pants beneath the silky robe, his defined chest and perfect abs revealed for all to admire.
She felt a blast of heat warm her face. Oh, I can definitely do this!
To say the man was beautiful would be grossly inadequate. He was a tall, dark Adonis with straight silky black hair draping gently over his broad shoulders. He didn't look much older than Ronon, which would put him in his early thirties. He had sparkling amber eyes that contrasted with his deeply tanned, but cleanly shaved face. But it was the lips that nearly knocked her over. She had never seen such a full erotic pout on any man. This man was born to be kissed. Yes, he was exquisite…a visual treat.
He gripped both of Teyla's hands in his. "It is good to see you…" he studied her face with the most compassionate of gazes. "You are unwell, my lady."
"I am fine. We have a great medicine man who has cured me of a most threatening illness."
Treyhil motioned for her to sit on a nearby lounge. Several young people of his troupe abruptly moved away to permit Teyla access. He knelt before her, still cradling her hands. "You are not fully healed. I can see. Why strain yourself in traveling here?"
Teyla started to rise from the lounge, but Treyhil placed a gentle but firm hand on her shoulder. The Athosian blushed at the touch. Then again that could have been from her exhaustion or pain. "Dr. Weir asked me to proceed with introductions personally." She motioned to them.
Treyhil rose to his full height—an intimidating sight, actually—turning his gaze toward her, his eyes harsh. "You ordered her to leave a sick bed?"
She felt her tongue grow thick. "No…I--"
"It was my decision, Treyhil," Teyla stated firmly. "You know I would never do anything against my own wishes."
"Yes," he bowed his head. "I apologize. You are correct." He turned back to look her over. "You are the leader of Atlantis?"
"I am." Her heart fluttered in her chest. Maybe the ho of Atlantis…am I really going to sell myself? Or more accurately rent myself out for the sake of an alliance?
"And you wish to negotiate for the release of your people?"
She took a deep breath and held it. "Among other things. We are still in need of an alliance. Of trade." Guess so.
Treyhil studied her intently from head to toe and back again. She held her head high and did the same to him. She was really enjoying the visual moment when he suddenly spun away, his robe flowing out behind him. "We will negotiate following evening meal."
"Why wait?"
He turned only his head, the silky hair swirling about his shoulders. His dazzling smile could light up all of Atlantis for a year. "You will need the respite…" he narrowed his gaze slyly. "As will I, I imagine."
That sent another heat wave through her body, settling in unusual places. Oh yeah… I can do this…not going to be a problem!
Teyla rose from the lounge. "I wish to speak with Col. Sheppard and his team. Make them aware that negotiations are underway."
Treyhil motioned to one of the robust men nearby. "Escort Teyla to the cell then see her safely back here." He cupped her cheek gently. "We will drink a potion to your health, dear one. You will be well in no time."
Teyla smiled weakly at him then nodded to the team and followed the escort out, leaning on him a little for support.
She felt a hand on her shoulder and saw Laura looking at her. "You're doing great."
"You'll need to get Teyla home as soon as she returns."
Laura nodded agreement. She motioned to Treyhil with her eyes. He was staring at them, that amusement pulling at his luscious lips. She took a step forward. "Lord Treyhil."
"Yes, Dr. Weir."
"Elizabeth."
"Elizabeth then."
"What exactly is the crime Col. Sheppard is accused of?"
oOo
Teyla entered the cell and John nearly fell over at the sight of her. "What the hell are you doing here?"
The man who she seemed to be leaning on for support glared at him. "You do not speak to Lady Teyla in such a manner or Lord Treyhil will have your head."
John sneered at the man. "Thought that's what I get for touching his kid."
Ronon placed a hand on John's shoulder, telling him to back down. They were already in enough trouble and though tempting, John didn't need to cause more by verbally sparing with someone of what's-his-name's troupe.
The man snorted. "We shall see." Then he released Teyla and left her with them, though only to step outside, leaving the door to the room open so he could obviously eavesdrop.
John held onto the bars that kept him from rushing to Teyla as she swayed in place. She leaned a hand against the wall. "I am fine. A little tired is all."
"Carson let you leave in this state?" That was Rodney, finally finding his voice after Ronon nearly bit the guy's head off for his non-stop bitching about their imminent death.
"He did not."
"Are you here to get us out?" Ronon asked.
"Your release will be acquired in due time. You must be patient."
"Patient?" John asked.
"Dr. Weir has arrived to negotiate your freedom."
"Elizabeth's here?" His heartbeat thudded. "I want to see her."
Teyla raised a shaking hand. "I am afraid she does not wish the same, Colonel."
Oh, she must be really pissed at me this time.
She stepped closer to the cell. "What has taken place here, Colonel?"
John shook his head. "Everything was great. We were heading back to the gate, being escorted by a group of women. I was talking to one of them, trying to determine when the last Wraith had been seen on the planet when she slipped on a wet patch of grass. I grabbed her arm to keep her from falling."
Teyla smiled. It was weak, but a smile nonetheless. "I see."
"It was a reflex."
She held up a hand. "I understand, Colonel."
"What was he supposed to do? Let her fall?" Lorne asked.
"I do not believe so," Teyla said, still smiling. "That too would have been seen as an insult." She seemed thoughtful for a moment. "Did you perhaps mention that you were not the leader of Atlantis prior to returning to the gate?"
John shrugged. "Probably. I usually let people know that Elizabeth handles trade negotiations."
"Did you describe her?"
His brows creased. "Not physically no. But I don't generally do that."
"You do speak highly of her when asked, however," Teyla pointed out.
"Well…yeah. She's Elizabeth."
Rodney shot off of the floor. "And that guy… Lord Tree--"
"Treyhil."
"Yeah, him. He did seem awfully eager to meet her…like right away."
Teyla smiled and sighed. "Do not worry, gentlemen. This will be set right by morning. You have my word." She pulled away, swaying again. "Now, I must return to Atlantis to face Dr. Beckett's wrath. I will see you all there by mid-morning, I am certain."
"Teyla," John said. "What's going on?"
She smiled slyly. "Negotiations…they can be—how do you say—tricky."
John narrowed his eyes. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It is of no consequence, Colonel. All will be right by morning. Sleep well. Or as well as can be expected."
And then she left and the door was closed behind her. John turned to his cellmates, all of them wearing the same confused expression as he did.
"Let me get this straight," Lorne started. "Treyhil set us up so he could get Dr. Weir here… on a blind date?"
oOo
Teyla returned to Atlantis after filling them in on Sheppard's story and her take on what had actually occurred.
It had been an elaborate bait to get Elizabeth to meet with Treyhil. Teyla found the whole thing amusing, though she did not have qualms about confronting Treyhil about the ruse. She would no-doubt go head-to-head with the large man in battle—even as weak as she is—if asked to do so.
The answer had been 'no', of course. Whether a ruse or not, she had agreed to the negotiations, which could prove vital in their fight against the Wraith and she was not one to back out of a deal this late in the game.
Okay, so maybe it had a little to do with how hot her host was. Or a lot. And how much she truly wanted to know what his hair felt like as her fingers sifted through it. If the rest of his body was as hard and sculpted as his chest. If his amazing lips could keep the promise of pleasure that pout offered.
No one was going to know.
And that alone made her eager to stay. Ruse or not.
Definitely a ho!
