Touched By An Ancient
By Ann3
Writer's Note: Okay, I think we've had enough tissues ! Things are going to start lightening up now, but first... well, a certain wee doctor's about to cause a bit of a stir. You'll find out how in the next chapter, but for now, I hope you enjoy this one !
Chapter Twenty Two
He was getting there. Slowly, still sometimes painfully. But Carson Beckett was getting there.
Much of that progress had come in time honoured tradition, with his return to familiar surroundings. Two days earlier, he'd been released to continue his recovery in the sanctuary of his quarters. Thanks to two hyper-protective surrogate brothers, he'd been left, undisturbed, to sleep and heal. In fact, to Elizabeth's vainly hidden amusement, her recuperating CMO still looked half asleep now – a thick mop of gloriously tousled hair bearing an uncanny resemblance to that of a certain colonel.
Carson must have thought the same thing, since a hand now rose to try, in vain, to tame it into order.
"Aye, it… uh… needs a bit of a trim…" he admitted, ruefully giving up the fight as he led her inside.
"Actually, Carson, the whole 'just out of bed' look rather suits you…" Elizabeth assured him with a diplomat's natural charm – one returned through a grin which, to her silent relief, was the most genuine she'd seen that week.
That improvement, she proudly reflected, was mainly thanks to her CMO's renowned resilience. Credit also had to go, of course, to the family who'd closed ranks so supportively around him.
That family had already arrived for their now customary lunch together in Carson's quarters – Teyla's smile returned just as warmly, while John and Rodney both intuitively rose from their chairs.
Today's location, on a breezy and sunlit balcony, was certainly making the most of a glorious day. And, to its newest arrival's open relief, Carson was enjoying its benefits more than anyone else. He was finally eating again. And while turkey sandwiches remained off the menu, there was still plenty to tempt a returning appetite – a generous bowl of salad giving John Sheppard's laden plateful of hot-dogs a fair run for its money.
"Sitting out here on your front porch looks to be good for you, Carson…" Elizabeth said at last, gratefully noting the healthier colour in his cheeks as she settled into her allotted seat beside him.
"Aye, lass, there's nothing better for you than good food and fresh air…" Carson agreed softly, a wistful sigh reflecting another wonderful meal, albeit one enjoyed only in the depths of his mind.
It had all seemed so real, though. So vital to his survival. So vital to everyone's survival.
Gradually aware of concerned faces around him, he then smiled, adding a self conscious apology.
"Sorry, lass, I – I was miles away… again…"
"No need to be, Carson…" Elizabeth assured him, watching his face for any telltale signs of upset – breathing a shared sigh of relief when her next cautious words caused his smile to actually widen. "Besides, you looked happy, wherever you were… you were… um… remembering…?"
Still lost in memories, Carson then sighed and nodded, his smile turning charmingly sheepish.
"I – I just still can't believe that it was all in my head… even now, it – it just seems so real…"
"That is because it was real, Carson. It had to be, for it to serve its purpose…" Teyla explained quietly, smiling back at him while reaching across to take his hand with the same encouraging gentleness. "You have been through so much pain, Carson. Lost so much of your life to silent fear and anger. That is why your Journey took so many days to complete. You needed that time to heal, to accept your gift…"
"Yes, Teyla, I know… I – I understand that now…" Carson replied, his voice just as reverently soft.
Yet there was something different in that voice, something different about him, as he suddenly rose from his seat. Oblivious to the puzzled glances he'd left behind, he then strode briskly across to the nearby railing – leaning against it while he stared out at the ocean, allowing its hypnotic beauty to re-settle his mind.
He could hear them again now, right alongside him. Just as Melia had promised they would be. Voices that had once left him crippled with grief revived him now, with new strength and purpose.
Aye, Carsie, ye've accepted your gift now… but dinnae think ye have to keep it all to yoursel'…
The strength you need to survive is within you, Carson. It always has been. Trust it. Use it wisely…
It was, too. Carson could feel it now, deep within him. The re-awakening of truly incredible, physical and mental strength. That strength radiated from his eyes as he finally turned back, to meet four quizzically expectant faces.
"I know something else too, that I didn't… no, couldn't, appreciate, until now…" he said at last – those newly revitalized eyes remaining calm and steady, even as others widened in startled surprise. "Until now, I've been too bloody stupid to recognise this incredible gift I have for what it truly is. But I recognise it now. I know why it's been given to me. It's going to help us beat the Wraith..."