Chapter Thirteen Summary: The group looking through the masses of materials sent by Artereos continues to search, and Sam finds a legend that foretells the coming of Egeria...and her daughters. Daur'rin remembers a poem that she feels is more than just a love poem. Lantash remembers it well, and he surprises them all when he "recites" it for them. Daniel begins to hunt frantically through the papers on his desk, as he, also, makes an important discovery related to it.
Amat Wyn - My Love
"Italics" – Symbiote-Host or Telepathic Communications
Daughters of the Queen
Chapter Thirteen
Of Legends, Poems, and Love Songs
Sam moved on to the next legend in the book she was reading and sighed. It would really be nice to find something that would lead them forward at least a little bit. So far, they didn't have anything to go on at all. She turned her attention back to the book in her lap and began reading.
As we know, once there was a land where the Mysts of the All gave birth to a race of beings, which were given the task of guardianship. And this race, which we claim as ours, was pagan, savage, cruel and vicious, in their ignorance and vice. So, the Mysts began to teach them that which would raise them from what they were, unto that which they were to become. The Mysts gave the great cats of their world guardianship of them, and they were protected and taught by them, also, as they grew and learned. And they became known as the Furling, the Clan of the Great Cats and the First-born children of the All.
The Cats taught them that which they needed to know to be formidable warriors as well as walkers of the All. The Pantherataya taught them of stealth, and quickness; the Lionkatanar of power and courage; the Leopadra of cunning, the Tigrelsabra, of strength, and the Pumaterra of patience. They taught them to use their ability to see beyond that which is seen, and hear beyond that which is heard, so that they might walk the All without fear and learn its many mysteries.
With the guidance of the Cats, the All became their second homeland. They knew it as well as they knew the mountains, the woodlands, the animals, and the arts of their homeworld, and they were as content to be there as they were among the world of the flesh. And, the All taught them of wisdom, justice, honor, and patience along with healing, the sciences and the arcane arts. Literature and art, sculpture, music, and dance followed as they became ever more civilized. And, the All gave unto the First-born the knowledge of the All upon their birthing from the Mysts. Thusly their life-lessons were given unto them, before they, in turn, brought forth into being their own children; those who would learn their life-lessons through living many lifetimes.
And, as they learned that which they needed to know and civilization graced them, the Mysts lifted, and they began their exploration of the universe. Being Warriors, although not Conquerors, they fought many battles, and took many peoples under their protection. When the Elvinsten'ien Wars were won, then they began to protect their clans against a new scourge, an enemy whose form was that of a small dragon and in whose heart much evil dwelled.
And it was written that far into the future, they would continue to fight their most formidable opponent, the small dragon whose heart was evil, as this evil continued enslaving the peoples of the light of the universe. But, into this battle between good and evil, a promise was made by the All and it was spoken thus.
There shall be born among the small dragons, a Queen among Queens who, in time, will come to see that the ways of the small dragons are evil. And, she shall be accepted as a blended-mate unto one from the race of beings of the Myst time, the people of the Cat, who shall love her and teach her more than she knew. In the end, though it tears at her soul, she shall leave her blended-mate and go forth to give birth unto a new race of small dragons, who will keep good in their hearts, as their memories left to them by her, taught them.
And, the beings of the Mysts, will mate with the offspring of this queen of the small dragons both spiritually and carnally. They shall love the small dragons deeply and show them that they are beings of beauty in their own right, and need not arrogance to fulfill their destiny in the Light that is the All.
Still, sorrow will rain on these small dragons, as they learn the lessons needed to go forth and become all that they were meant to be. Only then, will they learn that which they need to learn, to join with the peoples of the light of the universe as truly blended-mates of the Soul.
It is from this Queen that others shall come who will continue the race, for that race shall be locked in deadly combat with the small dragons who are evil. Moreover, even as their numbers dwindle that generation of the small dragons whose hearts are good, will continue to fight. When the Great Battle has been fought, then shall the knowledge be given to the small dragons of the legacy their mother left for them.
It shall come to pass, that the last generations born shall in the aftermath of the Great Battle become one with the host of their body as the host of their body becomes one with them. This will be the joining the older generations bore much sorrow to learn, for their queen will have learned much in her time with her Blending-mate.
And so, it will be unto this, the last of her generations that the queen, knowing her time of getting offspring is coming to an end, will give all of her newfound memories of the Blending-mate and the completeness that is found therein. This is the legacy she will pass onto her Daughters that future generations may know without so much sorrow, that which she and her elder children learned through the Tears of the Ages and the Hallowed Passages of Time.
And when the small dragons find the Heart-home of their mother, then shall the veil of the Mysts hiding the new queens begin to part and be lifted. Their consorts shall be called forth unto them, for the time will have come for them to bring forth the next generation of the small dragons whose hearts are good.
Look, therefore, to the Temple which lies beneath a Night Sky that wears the colors of the rainbow and Twilight is the beginning time…for here shall their journey to find those left behind begin.
Queens unto Daughters; Daughters unto Queens. So shall it be. So mote it be.
Sam held her breath as she finished reading, and then slowly letting it out, she said, her voice almost squeaky in its excitement, "I think I've found something. Not something that tells us where to look for the little queens, but something that tells about their coming. It's in this old Furling book of legends. The one that I would swear is in your handwriting. Here, look at this Daniel. Don't you think that looks like to your handwriting? Maybe a little more flourish-y."
Daniel took it and read it before passing it to Selmak and Lantash. "Yes, it does, Sam, and from what Artereos said, it probably is my writing."
"And you're right about the legend; that's definitely telling about Egeria. So, chances are that Artereos wasn't surprised at all to hear what we found. He knew all along it was out here, he just never knew where. Or we assume he never knew where. The truth, of course, may be something different. Sometimes, I think Artereos is omnipotent," Daniel grumbled good-naturedly. "That's also why Kataya was so adamant that there were queens out there. Artereos probably told her there was a legend that said there were queens, and even though it said they wouldn't be found until after the Great Battle, she hoped to be able to stumble on one anyway."
"It talks about the birth of the Furling, too, Daniel. It is actually very interesting. Do you know anything about the Elvinsten'ien Wars? It must have been a very long time ago," Selmak said thoughtfully.
Daniel frowned. "It rings a bell but I can't place it. Something tells me it was a war of what we would consider magik and enchantments as well as actual battle. Very brutal bloody battle is what I'm feeling. Kataya dedicated her life to fighting the Dark Mage Daemon Lords, as well as the Goa'uld, and any other evil in the universe. She and I would have fought in it, but I have no particular memories of it. Something tells me we'll find more information in here if you're interested."
"Yes, actually, I am, Daniel. It is fascinating to realize how ancient the Furling really are. Artereos is of the First-born, he and Merdwin. One wonders what they were like then? I mean, in one way it is rather difficult to picture a younger Artereos." Selmak said as he thought of what he must have been like.
"He looked very much as he does today, actually, but his hair was the same tawny gold and silver as Kataya's, rather than the white it is now. He has always been a very commanding figure. He was tall and muscular with broad shoulders and slender hips, as he still is today. His skin was the same beautiful shade it is now, his brows and lashes were just as long and dark surrounding those hypnotic deep green eyes, and his beautiful smile has always had the power to light up a room, just as Kataya's does. Kataya inherited the shape of his lips, too, although her mother also has a lovely smile. Kataya's mother," he said softly, obviously remembering something pleasant, "is a very, very beautiful woman. Kataya has always said she doesn't understand how she could have turned out so plain looking with such beautiful parents," Daniel said absently.
Realizing the room had become extremely quiet, with not so much as a page being turned, he looked up to see everyone staring at him, each with a stunned, dumbfounded look upon their faces. "What?" he asked.
Sam said, quietly, "Kataya is not plain, Daniel. She is a wonderful person and a lovely woman."
"I know. However, she doesn't see herself that way, Sam. In her own eyes, she is just a warrior. She doesn't see herself as special in any way at all, nor does she realize that her beauty goes beneath the skin. It's part of her charm and part of my job is to convince her how beautiful she is. I enjoy it very much," he said, as he suddenly grinned at her. "Someday she will look in a mirror and see herself as she really is, Sam. Until then, I keep telling her and being rewarded. Works for me."
Lantash nodded. "I know what you are saying, Daniel. She has never believed she is anything but ordinary, and she is quite content to be so. I remember once she told me how very pleased she was that her daughters had inherited the beauty, but more importantly, they would be beautiful inside, and that was where it truly counted. It is the greatest gift she has ever given them, I believe. Just as her father and mother gave the gift of inner peace and beauty to her, so she passed it on to her children…just as she will pass it on to yours."
Lantash watched the cloud that passed over Daniel's features. He would speak to him soon about this. He was sure it had to do with Kataya blending again, and he needed to assure him that it was not necessary that Kataya blend when they found the queen. There were more than enough volunteers now to do so. However, even if she did, as long as Daniel was not blended, it would not stop her. Not only that. He was not sure it mattered if Daniel was blended. The Furling could suppress so much of the symbiote that he felt sure they could stop the symbiote from passing on the knowledge. Therefore, only that from Daniel might pass on but, perhaps, not even that, if his Furling abilities continued to grow. They would talk soon. Daniel would make a wonderful father, and he needed to have children. It would help to soothe the loss of his others. Not completely, of course, nothing would do that, but it would help.
Changing the subject he said, "We always forget, too, that you knew him many millennia ago. It is always a shock for us to realize that again."
Daniel grinned at him, saying, "It's a shock to me when I say things like that, too, believe me."
Still picturing a more youthful looking Artereos, Selmak said, "Why does he look older? I assume that Merdwin looks much the same as he ever did. He appears to be no more than forty of your years, if that, actually, maybe more like thirty-five."
"Artereos allows himself to look as if he has aged. As the leader of his people, he felt it would just seem better. Of course, when you really look at him, you realize the only thing that makes him look older is his hair. He has no lines, no wrinkles. He muscles are very well toned. So, it's really no more than an illusion of age that he projects. If he allowed his hair to turn back, he would look the same as Merdwin, I imagine." His smile was soft as he thought about the Artereos of long ago. That he could bring him so quickly and sharply to mind was odd; however, he was glad that he could.
Looking back up at Selmak, he told him, "I remember him from when I was a very young child. He was always very interested in everything that was going on around him, and his energy seemed to be inexhaustible. He has always been a very caring man, and as I got older I realized that he truly was interested, he wasn't pretending to care about the sheep, or the roofs, or the healer that was having trouble mastering some technique. He really did care. He cared about his clan worlds, their people, and their lives, too. He was always just a very wonderful man, and I can see no change in him since then." Daniel's face was very soft with memories of different times he was with Artereos and Kataya. He had taken them fishing, swimming, hiking, all the things one did with one's children. He had vague memories of his own father from that time, but it was not clear and he wasn't sure why unless it was because he had now met Artereos but had not met his father. That made sense.
Selmak nodded, and a far-away look came into his eyes as he contemplated, with a sense of awe, the millennia of history the Furling had seen. Still they strove for good against evil as guardians of the All.
What a heavy burden to carry. The Tok'Ra thought they were warriors of great strength because they had been fighting for two thousand years. How many thousands of years had the Furling fought? And still, they continued. Perhaps, more than a little of the arrogance and pride the Tok'Ra felt in their continued war was misplaced. It was what they should do, no more, no less. They were all learning lessons that they should have learned a very long time ago.
"About time, Sel," Jacob broke into his reverie.
"Yes. It is about time, Jacob, and if this legend is correct, our queen-mother learned it before she died. Her youngest children will have learned it through her. It is a thought that brings relief and contentment," Selmak answered solemnly.
"I hope Malek learns it before it is too late. I think the All is goodness, but I also think that it may have a low tolerance for arrogance," Jacob's voice held caution.
"And yet, neither Merdwin nor Artereos are without pride or arrogance," Selmak replied.
"True, but it's a different kind of arrogance. It doesn't stem from a feeling of superiority; it's simply an acceptance of themselves and who and what they are. It's not an unlikable trait in them," Jacob said slowly, as he thought out what he was feeling.
"True. And hopefully, by the time that the Tok'Ra are as old as they, we, too, will have learned to be comfortable with who and what we are," Selmak responded.
Their attention came back to the group as they heard Daniel saying, "If this is in here then there's sure to be more. I think you, Selmak, and Daur'rin should start going through the information Merdwin brought from the Tok'Ra history archives. There may be some stuff in there. If any of them attract you as something that really strikes a chord within you, pay attention. I think that there was a trigger set to go off after the great battle if you participated, and as soon as you see something important, it's going to tell you so."
"I agree Daniel. I will go get the viewer and crystals," Lantash offered. As he stood to leave the room, he turned back for his cup of tea. Sighing he left, cup in hand. Sam smiled at Daniel, knowing that they were both thinking the same things. Lantash had surprised them both by his meek acceptance of the circumstances.
Of course, having lived through it before, he knew that there was no recourse. One survived it, and at the end, when they laid the children into your arms, it was all suddenly worth every minute that you spent on your knees worshiping that disgusting bowl and every cup of tea that you had to drink.
He kept assuring Martouf that he would see, and he had shown him the day that Lanwin and Taesha were born and the emotions he and Dominic had felt when they were placed in their arms. Martouf, needless to say, was anxious for that day to arrive.
"When that day finally arrives we will be terrified," Lantash said suddenly, as he realized where Martouf's thoughts were dwelling. "It is very painful, and Kataya refused to share most of the pain with us. What little she allowed through to us was very trying as it was. She did; however, call us every derogatory name she could think of. Merdwin assured me that she did the same to him. Just as we blamed her for the illness, she will blame us during the pain. Merdwin told me that he shared it with her, and he honestly could not blame her. We will attempt to convince Samantha to share the pain with us. I believe that it helps lessen it for them."
"Yes, of course. Did not Kataya say during the Sevesh that it was almost, but not quite, worse than having kits? We survived that, and while it was very bad, we managed."
"True, Martouf, but it only lasted a little over an hour."
He felt the jump in Martouf's heart as he realized that babies generally took much longer than an hour to birth. "How – how long did it take Kataya?"
"I do not remember exactly. She was having contractions on and off for a couple of days before the actual birthing. I believe it was less than twenty hours once it truly started."
"Twenty hours?"
He felt Lantash frown. "If I remember correctly, it was about that from the time they decided it was indeed true labor. The contractions become progressively stronger. She was in hard labor for perhaps five or so hours."
"You mean the truly painful part?"
"None of it is pleasant, but yes, the hard labor was about that long. Merdwin told me that it was much longer with Gwennetha and Merdwain and that each set usually took less time to birth. This will be Samantha's first kits, so while it does not always take a long time, we should expect that it will not be quick."
Martouf moaned at the thought of Samantha undergoing something like that. "If we share it with her, it will be less for her to bear? You are sure?"
"We must remember to ask Merdwin, but I am fairly sure of it," Lantash assured him.
"Five hours, Lantash? Five hours of pain, that is worse than that which we underwent during the Sevesh? She cannot survive that. There must be some other way," Martouf said firmly, as if simply deciding it was so would make it that way.
"Well, the pain sticks are a worse pain, but then they will kill you if used long enough. The pain of childbirth does not kill you, but you think it might from what I was told. If you think of it, there is no way that it cannot but be painful. The kits will be small when they are born but not so small considering the way they enter the world. Then, too, until the very end there is time between the contractions, so it is not constant as the Sevesh was," Lantash reminded him easily.
Lantash could almost feel Martouf pale as he considered the size of a newborn and the size of his Samantha. He would panic any minute now. "Lantash, there must be another way. We must stop this; we cannot allow this to happen to her. How can she remain so calm? Does she not realize? What will we do? We must convince her to stop this now," Martouf exclaimed, right on cue.
"Martouf, you will stop this at once, and you will not bother Samantha with your worrying. It has been occurring for millennia, and it will continue. Samantha will be fine, and her body will change to accommodate the birth. I will explain it in detail later, but trust me, there are changes taking place that will enable this to happen. Now, let us find those crystals. I am fairly certain they are in the cabinet in the room where all of the supplies that Artereos sent are being kept." Lantash sighed as they began to look through the piles of books and parchments. "We should have asked Daniel where they were for sure."
"I seem to remember some things being put in that chest over there. Check there, Lantash." Martouf began to calm as his mind switched to a different topic. No doubt he would revisit it later that evening, but Lantash would make sure he understood about the physical changes that would take place in Samantha's body.
"Ah, found it. Good. All right, let us go," Lantash said as they gathered the crystals and viewers and left the room. Closing the door behind them, they headed back to the library only to return to get their forgotten cup of tea.
"Lantash, it is getting better, but how much longer will this last? We need to stop in the facilities on our way back to the library. The tea is, as usual, working in both ways." He never before realized how annoying it was to have to go to the facilities to relieve oneself so frequently. Martouf sighed resignedly as he headed there to take care of that before going back to the library. They both felt that they spent way too much time in this room or others that had the same purpose.
"I am aware, and it will be another seven weeks at the most, possibly less. We can only hope that it will pass quickly," Lantash murmured his response.
"How long did it last for you the last time?" Martouf wanted to know.
"About two months. However, it lessens considerably as time passes. Are you hungry? You are hungry, are you not? What is it that you want this time?" Lantash almost groaned at the thought of what Martouf would wish to eat this time. The combination of foods that he was craving was not pleasant, at least as far as Lantash was concerned.
"Yes, actually, I am. I wonder if Valynara has any of that chocolate cake and those little purple fruits that taste like watermelon left? That sounds good. And some of those weird little fishes. Cake and fish sounds good, does it not, Lantash? Lantash?"
Lantash sighed. "No. Actually, it sounds rather vile and disgusting, Martouf, but at least you are not allergic to it, so by all means eat it if you wish. Use the vanilla scented soap to wash our hands with Martouf," He instructed, having given over control, as they prepared to leave this, their least favorite room in the house. "It smells wonderful to me, and it does not upset our stomach as the other sweeter scented one does," Lantash told him as they finished taking care of one job, and prepared to finish their errand now that they had relieved the more pressing of their needs. "We should take this to the library first, though. Also, you do realize that the apralans are a diuretic, also, do you not? Not only do they taste like the watermelon of earth, they work on the system in the same way. Something that is mostly flavored water does that to the human system, you know. I suppose since we have to go more often because of the tea, it really does not matter all that much," he groused.
"It must have been very difficult for you when Dominic kept eating those Coralberry dishes and breaking out in a rash," Martouf commented, and he felt Lantash shudder as he remembered it.
"Yes, and I was never so glad to have something pass. He was extremely allergic to them, and I had a very difficult time controlling his response to it. Not only did he break out in a rash, it affected his breathing. It was quite alarming, and I was just thankful I could control it. Furthermore, I have no idea why he even craved them. There was not even anything in them that was particularly nutritious. They did taste good, though, I do have to admit that. I have to also admit I am thankful that you are only craving things like chocolate." He paused before continuing, "although, I must admit that I fail to know why you insist on eating fish with that sauce that is like mustard with it."
"It tastes good to me," Martouf said defensively.
"I know, dear one, and you shall have some as soon as we deliver this to the library. However, if you do not mind, I believe I will become dormant long enough for you to eat the fish and brush our teeth. I'm afraid I find the flavor of the fish rather unpleasant when mixed with chocolate and then the mustard, which I am not particularly fond of to begin with."
Martouf smiled and gave him a hug, offering, "I am sorry, Lantash, and if it truly bothers you, I do not have to eat it."
Giving another long-suffering sigh, Lantash hugged him back and replied, "No, it is alright, Martouf. I know how irritable you get if you do not get the food you are craving. In addition, when I crave something, you allow me to eat it without complaint. Besides, I would rather put up with the fish, the fruit, the mustard, and the chocolate than to have you cranky. I just wish all you wanted was the chocolate, at least I share your rather intense passion for it."
"Thank you, and I will make it up to you somehow, I promise," Martouf told him as he gave him a hug and an smile.
"To be sure, you will, dear one, you may count on it," Lantash agreed as they entered the library.
"Can't you remember any more of it, Daur'rin?" Jacob was asking as they entered the room. Hearing them come in, he turned to them and said, "Daur'rin has remembered a love poem she thinks may have more meaning than just its romantic value. I didn't even know Tok'Ra had love poems."
Sensing Lantash's wish to talk to her, Martouf quickly gave control to him. "Which one is it, Daur'rin?" Lantash asked, immediately intrigued, and all thoughts of food forgotten.
"I cannot remember what it is called, but it talks about a temple and white sand beaches. The thing that made me remember it was the line in that legend about the temple and the Twilight Nights because it mentions a place called Twilight something. I cannot remember that, nor can I remember how it goes, and Selmak cannot remember it at all."
"I suggest you stop trying so hard to remember it. It will come to you if you just give it time. Besides, if it doesn't eventually come to you, then Kataya can look for it if you want, or we can try the recall device. For that matter, it may be in the information that Lantash and Martouf just brought us. Try not to think about it for now," Daniel encouraged her. "It seems like the harder we try to…Lantash? What's wrong?" Daniel asked as he realized that Lantash was sitting with his fist clenched and an odd look on his face.
"I know how it goes," he said softly. "No doubt, Kataya could tell you the words to it, too. If Malek was here he would groan, but he could no doubt also quote it line for line. I quoted it for months after Kataya left and returned to Cadwaellon. I," he stopped, almost blushing, then cleared his throat, as he said, "I used to sing it to her. It can be sung to a little melody, but it was originally a type of free verse poem. No real set cadence, which is why I think I liked it. You could say it however you felt it." Daniel didn't think he had ever seen Lantash look so uncomfortable. Then realizing what he had said, he looked at Sam.
She was smiling, and her eyes were shining. "Lantash, how romantic. Now, I have to hear it," she said softly.
Lantash looked at her in disbelief. "Are you not upset?" he asked, obviously incredulous.
Sam sighed, shook her head, and groaned before reminding him, "Lantash, we've been over this before. You and Kat were mates for a very long time, and you loved her very much; you still love her very much. I know, because I love Daniel in that same way. There is nothing wrong with you having shown your love for her in that way. Of course," she continued, patently teasing him, "You'll have to come up with one for me, too. Now, come on, and tell us the words. Or better yet, sing it."
"I have not sung it in a very long time…I will have to think about the words for a short time, but I am sure I will know most of them. If, that is, it is the same one." Lantash frowned for a moment and then he slowly began to recite the poem, eventually adding the melody to which one could sing it.
The title is:
The Temple of Coreegadon
As the eventide falls, and the day begins to close,
I will walk the white sand beaches of lovely Twilight Cove.
Within the Temple on the shore, I will hear your name,
I will call to you to come to me, as swiftly as you may.
I will wait impatiently, for you to bond with me,
To make us one, for our span of life, within the universe.
I will call to you so softly; sweetly ask of you a joining;
Blend our bodies and our souls, becoming one, a borning.
And there we will lie down, and watch the sky of blue,
Slowly add more colors, before the deepening of the night.
Then, when the stars are high and the night is deep,
You will come to me; embrace me, as if within a dream.
You will caress my body as you gently make it yours,
Embracing all that I now am, and all that we will be.
I will add your essence, now blending yours with mine,
And we will be one being, joined and mated for all time.
Its name will echo on the breeze, never now forgotten.
We will remember for all time, as only lovers always do,
The place we gave our hearts and souls, into each other's keeping,
And joined us as one body, our hearts and souls together.
Never speak its name, but that you remember me, our love,
Never think upon the white beach sands or see a starry sky,
Without you think of us, and the gifts and joy we gave to one another,
In the Temple of Coreegadon, where once we joined and loved as one.
"Then there is kind of a chorus, which I left out rather than repeat it over and over, as one normally does when one sings it," Lantash said before he finished it.
Where blood-red flowers bloom around the temple,
There I will stand upon the shore,
There I will call to thee.
I will ask of you a joining,
A blending of our souls.
Among the golden statues, you will lie with me.
Come to me my dearest love,
lay your head upon my breast.
Kiss me gently, tenderly,
Then fill me with your essence.
Under the deep purple skies, where Aramon hunts,
Make of us one soul, one heart, one mind,
Blend with me and make us one.
That we will always be together
Blended, joined forever, now that we are one.
As Lantash finished the poem-cum-song, they realized that Daniel was searching frantically through the papers scattered all over the huge desk. He gave a sound of triumph.
"White sands, Temple, Blood-red flowers, Purple, Cove, Aramon, and golden statues. Okay, so where is Coreegadon?" He asked after he read out the list of words that they found carved into one of the walls of the temple.
"It is a sister world to the one where Lantash and Malek were born. It was abandoned several millennia ago when the naquadah gave out. It was still in the water though, so the lake must have been perfect for symbiotes. However, the only thing it was ever used for was mining. The land was too rocky for farming or raising animals. There is indigenous wildlife and abundant fish in the waters, of course, but still not a feasible world for a civilization to grow and thrive on. Therefore, no civilization ever grew up there and the Temple was built for the worship of the system lord that was there during the mining. Aramon is a constellation that can be seen from the Temple, if I am remembering the history right. I do not know anything about the red flowers or the purple sky." Selmak gave his information on the planet in question. "So do we think there is a queen there?"
Daniel frowned. "I don't know..." he paused and it was obvious that his mind was working at warp speed. He finally shook his head, then speaking slowly, as his thoughts coalesced he added, "Actually, no. No, I don't think there is a queen there, although I could very well be wrong, so don't take my word as gospel or anything. Still, that said, I have to admit that I still think the answer is no. What I believe we may find, though, is a clutch of adult symbiotes," he said quietly. "I'm not saying there isn't a queen there just that the poem seems to be about blendings and joining as one being. It works as a love poem, but its real meaning is the blending. My guess is that we'll have to go there and then figure out how to call them to us."
"I can't believe we've actually finally found something," Sam said. As her excitement built, she pressed her hand against her stomach to stop its jumping, afraid it would get too jumpy and make her sick. It spoke to how stunned Lantash and Martouf were because they didn't even notice.
"Now we also know that whatever we need to find will be in some type of legend, poem or song and that the words that were in groups are definitely descriptions of places so we will know we have it right. I'd say you need to get to work sorting through those crystals. And we'll have to start planning a trip to this place within a few days."
Seeing their shocked looks, he grinned. "I know you all want to rush out right now and go take a look, but they have waited a couple of thousand years, a few more days won't hurt and I want to check with Merdwin and make very sure that nothing has changed in that world's status. I don't think any of us want to walk out the gate into a Goa'uld occupied world. So let's just be a little cautious."
Selmak frowned but nodded as he sighed, "Of course, you are correct, Daniel. It will not hurt us to wait for a day or so to be sure that things are as they should be. Moreover, Merdwin should know, and if he does not then Artereos will know or perhaps be able to find out. Hopefully by then, too, perhaps the situation with Malek will be better." He sighed. "Hand over the crystals, Lantash. Daniel's correct about that, too, and we need to get started on looking through this information."
Daniel nodded and then started speaking, this time rather fast, as his mind ran ahead of his words, "We should also talk to Valynara about taking some of the prospective hosts with us. See if she wants us to do that, or if she wants to bring them all back here. I'm guessing that we should go first to see if there are symbiotes there. I know she and Kataya were talking about trying to see if they could link their minds with any symbiotes that we find to try to match up potential blending-mates, instead of just doing it randomly. We want the blendings to be as successful as possible, and if they are a match personality wise, that will be a big help." Daniel's mind was running full speed as he thought of all the things that needed done before they could go to the planet in question.
"I hadn't thought of that aspect, Daniel, but you are correct. I am glad that Kataya and Valynara have decided to take steps to see if they can achieve that. I must remember to thank them," Selmak commented.
Lantash and Daur'rin nodded their concurrence, and then they looked at the crystals. There was a great deal of information to look through, and they should get started. Suddenly they had extra energy. It had not really sunk in that they might have found some brethren yet, but it would. Then they would have to force themselves not to get too hopeful, so that if they were wrong, they would not be so disappointed.
Samantha and Daniel would continue with the Furling information. The Tok'Ra would begin their hunt through their historical records and archives.
Before they started that though Sam had a burning question to ask. "Lantash? Why didn't you tell me you could sing? You have a lovely voice. Why don't you sing more often? I don't think I've ever heard you before."
"I do not know. It is something I have always been able to do regardless of my host's abilities, but Martouf actually has a very beautiful voice as well, which makes it even easier. I used to sing along with the radio at the house," he said, and then he caught his breath. Shaking his head, he said quietly, "That was while you were gone. I hated the quietness of the house, and I always kept the radio on. Sometimes, when Daniel was not there, I would sing along just to hear a voice in the house."
He smiled sadly. "It was a very difficult time for us, Samantha. Daniel and I both missed you and Kataya very much. There were times when it was such a sharp physical pain that it was all we could do to remain upright. It did become better once I allowed myself to grieve. Daniel and Martouf forced me to do so, and they were correct to force the issue. After they did that, I began to sing again, for it has always been comforting to me."
"And I only did it when Daniel was not with us. Daniel and I tended to stay together, either at his home, or ours, so it was only during our very loneliest times." He smiled at her then, saying, "I will sing to you tonight, my heart. A love song. Will that please you?"
Sam smiled at him through the tears that his words had brought forward. Her heart ached for what they had endured for them. "Yes, Amat Wyn, that would please me very much," she said softly, "it would please me very much indeed."
Suddenly Lantash's expression changed, and he looked surprised.
"Have you remembered something else, Lantash?" Sam asked as she realized, before the others that something had caught his internal attention.
"Martouf reminded me of something that I had forgotten. When he and Kataya became Heartmates by the ritual joining, while we were at Avilion, it released many of my memories into his consciousness. He is reminding me that there was a love song that I used to sing to Kataya that I was particularly fond of, and that seemed to have a deep-seated meaning to me even before she and I became mated. I had forgotten it, buried it actually, after she left with the kits, but I remember now that it was released with the other memories I had buried," he responded quietly, never taking his eyes from Samantha. It was obvious he was trying to read her reaction to his words.
Leaning forward until she could clasp his hands, she said quietly, "Lantash, I will tell you this once more, and then, I suppose I will repeat it as often as necessary until you believe me. I will not become jealous of Kataya and your relationship to her. You loved one another then, you still love one another today, and you will continue to love one another into eternity. It is just as I will always love and cherish my Daniel and our relationship to one another into eternity. You have a past with Kataya. I have a past with Daniel. We each can accept that. Please stop worrying about my reactions to anything that pertains to the time you lived with her as a physically connected Heartmate." She leaned forward even farther and kissed him gently. "Now. Tell us, or sing us, this song that you have always felt had a very deep meaning for you."
Lantash leaned forward from where he sat on a stool at her feet, and kissed her back, before he nodded, saying, "It is called Whispered Promises." Then clearing his throat, he started to sing softly, the beauty of his voice again surprising everyone, but keeping them listening.
Whispered Promises
Moonlight on the water calls you unto me,
With the soft warm breezes, be caressed.
The lapping of the waves upon the shore,
Carries my voice to thee upon its crest.
I am calling to you softly,
I am calling to you, love.
Hear my whispered promises,
My whispered promises of love
I am calling to you sweetly,
I am calling you, my love.
Hear my whispered promises,
My whispered promises of love.
You come to me with eyes that cannot see,
Though you have no words, you try to speak.
I touch your satin skin; stroke you gently,
Soon we will form a bond that will not break.
I am calling to you softly,
I am calling to you, love.
Hear my whispered promises,
My whispered promises of love.
I am calling to you sweetly,
I am calling you, my love.
Hear my whispered promises,
My whispered promises of love
I will give you eyes that you may see,
A voice with which to speak of many things.
Joined, I will hold you, as you embrace me,
I send to you these promises on wings.
I am calling to you softly,
I am calling to you, love.
Hear my whispered promises,
My whispered promises of love.
I am calling to you sweetly,
I am calling you, my love.
Hear my whispered promises,
My whispered promises of love
Come to me my loved one,
Come to me, my mate.
Hear my whispered promises,
My whispered promises of love.
Join with me my loved one,
Join with me, my mate.
Hear my whispered promises,
My whispered promises of love.
Come to me my loved one,
Come to me, my mate.
Hear my whispered words,
My whispered promises of love.
Join with me my loved one,
Join with me, my mate.
Hear my whispered promises,
My whispered promises of love.
Hear my whispered promises,
My whispered promises of love.
When Lantash finished singing, it was very quiet, until Sam spoke up. Squeezing the hand she was still holding, she said, "It makes a very heartfelt, and tender love song, but I can see why you feel connected to it beyond that. It sounds like a host coaxing a symbiote to come and join with them. A promise to show them the world through their eyes just as a lover would. And, the truth is that the relationship between host and symbiote is that of lovers, so of course, it would sound that way."
Lantash frowned. "How do you know that, Samantha? That the bond between symbiote and host is very like that of lovers?"
"I experienced Kataya's joining with Siesha, and I have observed you and Martouf and my dad and Selmak. Almost all of the host/symbiote relationships that I have had the privilege to see more of than just casually, strike me that way. Jocasta and Daur'rin are very close, like lovers would be. Malek and Devlin are very much like lovers. Even though Devlin teases Malek, it's obvious that he would do anything Malek asked of him."
"I'm looking forward to my own joining very much. In a way, I am glad things have worked out the way they have, and I am pregnant now, so that I can blend as soon as we find some of your brethren. Or at least as soon as I can."
Lantash smiled at her, truly convinced this time that his Samantha truly wanted to blend because she wanted to, not because she thought he wanted it. He did, of course, but he would love her if she never blended. He would always love her. He was drowning in her eyes when Daniel's voice brought him out of them and back into the present and the room where they were now sitting.
"Well, this answers a question I had anyway," Daniel commented, his voice holding a definite note of satisfaction.
"What is that, Daniel?" Selmak asked, curious as to what Daniel could have been pondering about which they would not already have thought.
Jacob snorted in his mind, reminding him, "You are wondering about Daniel Jackson, Sel, and if anyone thinks outside of the box just as easily as they think within it, it is Daniel. Of course, he will have thought of things, which we haven't even brought to the radar screen yet."
Selmak paused to think that through, and then admitted to him, almost sheepishly, "You are correct, Jacob. I do not know what I was thinking. I would suppose I was not thinking at all."
Another snort was followed by Jacob's acerbic retort, "I would agree with that assessment."
"How did we get the symbiotes to come once we found them? If they are Egeria's offspring, they won't take an unwilling host, so how is it done? We know from the writings in the Temple of the Twilight Nights that she had certain followers who assured her they would protect her children and find willing hosts for them. Akteket, Claeperta, Titenk, just to name a few."
Daniel paused for a moment before continuing to follow his line of thought, "The history that she left for you on the Temple walls about her life and how she managed to see to it that you were all taken care of is priceless. Her explanation of what she learned, as well as the one of how she changed her transferred knowledge to be sure that her later offspring had her insight will prove to be a blessing to all of you, I think."
Before anyone could interrupt or interject a comment, he continued to tell them what he now believed to be the truth. They were all aware of the suppressed excitement in his tone as his explanation went on to tell them, "I think this song may be our link to them. Maybe the tune of it or the words said in Goa'uld. There has to be a way to get them not only to come to the edge of the water, but also to allow us to pick them up in order to assure them of our good intentions. I think this song is telling you how to call them. I believe the promises are literal, and that they are something your younger, er, siblings will expect to hear from their brethren," as he finished speaking, he nodded decisively, a gesture, that for Daniel, indicated that he had a true and deep belief that what he said was the truth.
"I agree. I had forgotten that song and the poem, but both struck a chord in me that is unusual. I am sure that these are two of the triggers you believe she probably left within us. Moreover, I think I have a third. It, too, is a song, and if Lantash remembers it, perhaps he will sing it for us too," Selmak informed them that he, too, suddenly recalled a song that he felt was important.
"Which one is that, Selmak?" Lantash asked his interest and excitement very apparent to all of them.
"I believe it is called Moon Dance; however, I cannot positively say that is the working title. It is how I remember it, though," Selmak gave them that which he felt he knew.
"I remember it, Selmak," Lantash assured him quietly, "and you are correct; the title is Moon Dance.
"How does it go, Lantash?" Daniel asked, his eagerness adding to and enhancing theirs.
Moon Dance
Beneath the light of the moon,
We come together
To feel as one, to love as one
Together
On the sands of the shore,
We come together
To touch, to see, to taste
Together
By the waves of the sea,
We come together
To sing, to dance, to love
Together
Under the shadow of the mountains,
We come together
To writhe in never-ending pleasures
Together
Together, we forever remember
and forever love.
By Starshadow
Daniel nodded, "If it feels right to all of you, then in all probability, it is. It sounds to me like another song to call them and to reassure them that we are friends, and not enemies. Therefore, if we go somewhere we believe there are symbiotes, and one of the songs doesn't work, we will try the other. We should start to plan our trip off world to check out the planet the poem is sending us to. I'll talk to Merdwin as soon as I can, but…" Daniel stopped talking, realizing that the information Kataya had sent to him through the link was going to be a shock to those in the room. He had to tell them, although Kataya said that she would send Merdwin to do so, if he wanted her to. It was, after all, because of the Furling that this was happening.
Lantash looked at him and realized that Daniel had something other than the legends, poems, and songs on his mind. "What is wrong, Daniel? You are very uncomfortable, and Kataya has never returned from the Sanctuary. Something has happened to Malek and Devlin, has it not?"
TBC