THE NEXT EVENT - by Kolyaaa!
CHAPTER FOUR: THE REUNION
A/N: Your feedback continues to make me happy. And when I am happy everyone in the farmyard is happy. Don't make that change.
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"Hey," John called, schooling his simple word. He reached out one hand, and considered resting it on the large and perfectly-formed woman's shoulder, but something about her nudity made him hesitate. Honestly, he didn't want to tussle with her – one never really wanted to restrain a naked person in a fight. It was so hard to find something to hang onto that didn't – well – cause great embarrassment for everyone involved. And then there was the 'slippery' factor.
So John said, "Hey," again. "I think we have a little misunderstanding going on here, so if you'd just get off my friend and…"
"Where did you get this!" she spat out, clearly ignoring the man who hovered just behind her. John tried not to stare at her sculpted ass – it was a lovely one.
McKay squeezed his eyes shut so that he didn't have to gaze directly at the pert breasts just above him. "I… I…" he got out, his mouth dry as the cord remained tight at his throat. "I just…" and he gasped as she ground her knees into his ribs and hardly let him breathe. Oh crap! He was certain that she was going to stave in his ribcage, or at least shatter one of the bones. Yeah, one on the right – just below his nipple…. nipple.
McKay allowed himself to squint up at the woman – finding the breasts still there – so close – so close. Other things too – not so far away. The pretty face twisted in rage. Her luscious lips twisted in a snarl. Oh yes, she was going to kill him. "Ergh," was all he got out.
"Now, look," Sheppard stated, unable to stop himself from smiling at McKay's predicament. "Look, we can work this out. Just…"
The Amazon seemed to anger even further. "I asked you where you stole this from!" she shouted, then yanked on the necklace, as if she might be able to bust it right off Rodney's neck, but the cord holding it was strong and it didn't give.
McKay just made a pathetic sound and squeezed his eyes shut again. So this was how he was going to die – squashed by a giant warrior woman. All things considered, it wasn't the worst way to go. The story about dying while saving all those kids was a good one – but this one would work well in the right circles.
Around them, the crowd had drawn back to give them room – watching intensely. The other racers had moved on. Apparently, seeing their biggest competition drop out of the race was a boon for their own chances and the runners weren't about to give it up. They continued, their bare feet tramping the dirt as they went.
The gorgeous athlete yanked again on the cord, jerking up McKay's head. Her vicious attempt to remove the necklace was enough to put Sheppard in motion. Not that he actually 'wanted' to get involved in this, but he couldn't let a giant naked woman break the neck of the head of their science department. All things being equal, he'd rather they worked it out without him. Girding his loins, the colonel stepped forward, and reached for her (naked) shoulders to throw her off the trapped man.
But she was too quick for him. In one smooth moment, she rolled off of the scientist, and got to her feet, hoisting McKay along with her – one hand twisted into his jacket, the other still clenching the necklace.
McKay went, "Gah!" as he stumbled for footing.
She was as striking as she was statuesque, her beauty unmatched. The men in the crowd around her sighed with their admiration, instantly falling in love for her, willing to give up their lives and their property just for the chance to be with her. Even a few of the women fell under the spell.
Her lovely dark-blonde hair cascaded over her bare shoulders and shone like gold in the sunlight. Her eyes were an unmatchable shade of blue – deeper than a pure azure lake, clearer than a cerulean sky, more cobalt than cobalt. Every inch of her was perfection. She stood, a masterpiece, just begging to be set in marble so that generations might appreciate her beauty.
Flawless and awe-inspiring, she didn't even appear to be sweating from her run, as her gorgeous hand, with nails that naturally looked fresh from the manicurist (but of course weren't), clutched the length of cord that was attached to the sputtering, red-faced scientist.
Sheppard shook his head. Of course, this couldn't be easy. Why couldn't they just go to a fair and have fun for a change? Seeing an opening, he stepped in, shouldering in between McKay and the big woman. He managed to put some space between them by inserting himself, but she never let loose her grip on the necklace.
Nose to nose – chest to … breast, John dropped a hand to his gun. "Let him go," he stated, his voice low and impossible to resist.
The tawny-haired woman, strangely enough, smiled at him, delightfully, looking pretty as all hell – and resisted. Giving the boney necklace a yank, she pulled McKay from his semi-protected position behind Sheppard and tugged him onto the now vacant running track.
"Hey! Hey! Hey!" McKay got out, staggering as she led him, hands grappling at the binding around his neck.
The crowd around them moved uneasily, watching, waiting. A glance to them, and Sheppard knew exactly where their favor lay. The beautiful blonde was bewitching – there was no doubting that. Heck, if she wasn't currently trying to pop the head off his friend, John might have been on their side.
He sighed, wanting out of this. "Okay, enough is enough!" he shouted, his hand still ready on his weapon. They were here for a festival, and he had no intention on drawing on these people - but he didn't want this to escalate any further.
"Attention, noble people of Sateda!" she called, her voice booming. "I have discovered a traitor, a cowering thief! A man who has stolen glory from those more deserving." She kept her fierce grip on the bone necklace, pulling McKay to his tiptoes. "Here stands a pariah, impersonating one of our warriors, just so that he might partake in what he does not deserve!"
She glared at the remnants of their little feast – squashed pastries were scattered where McKay had been ambushed. "He pretended to be a soldier to deceive our fair people." She lowered her voice and growled at her captive, "And you believed your deceit wouldn't be discovered?"
It was all going to hell in a hand-basket, and it was time to end this. "Let him go," Sheppard demanded, resisting the urge to pull his weapon. He understood that warriors, who obviously sided with the magnificent blonde, surrounded him. A display of a weapon might be a very bad choice at this moment. If he could just 'talk her down' before she strangled McKay, everything would be fine.
"Thief, where did you get this?" she snarled.
"He said I could wear it," McKay squeaked out. "I didn't…"
She scowled, but managed to still look beautiful. She flicked her head to one side, letting her locks snap around her head. "The man who owned this would never give it to such a mealy creature as you, and you would never have been able to take it from him - not while he still lived. And, if you had murdered him, it could only have been through treachery. How did you get this?"
Before Sheppard could make another attempt to pull them apart, a form stepped in and did exactly that.
"I gave it to him." Ronon shoved McKay back and broke the woman's grip on the necklace.
McKay stumbled away, nearly falling into Teyla who caught him, steadying him. He gave her a grateful nod, rubbing at his neck and wheezing.
"A loan," Dex stated, holding out one hand, open palmed, toward McKay, while his eyes stayed on the nude warrior. Without hesitation, McKay pulled the necklace over his head and gave it to Ronon. Dex closed his fingers over the cord and let it hang at his side.
They stared at each other - the former Runner and the woman racer. Sheppard wasn't sure what he saw in their eyes - surprise, shock, apprehension, love? He glanced to McKay and found the scientist glaring the woman, but apparently unable to find a comfortable place to keep his gaze.
"Ronon?" the woman spoke his name hesitantly. "Ronon? I never… I never believed it could be true." Her brilliant eyes became moist in emotion.
At that statement, Dex made a little grunt. "I'm surprised as well," he returned.
With that, she surged forward, leaping, wrapping her arms around Ronon's neck, strapping legs around his waist, and giving him a full-body hug. As Ronon embraced the naked woman, Sheppard couldn't help but think he looked a little uncomfortable - okay, more than a little.
Teyla left McKay and came alongside Sheppard, her brow furrowed at the sight. McKay judiciously kept some space between himself and the woman, muttering disconsolately as he turned his head this way and that.
"Ronon?" Sheppard prompted. "Care to introduce us to …"
Looking a little beleaguered, Dex let out a sigh, and spoke over the top of her head, "Colonel Sheppard, Teyla Emmagan, Doctor McKay." He paused as if it pained him. "This is my sister, Nonor Dex."
Teyla and Sheppard exchanged started glances. McKay blinked furiously, saying in a pitched tone, "Your sister? She almost broke my neck!"
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Nonor had excitedly led them to her private tent, and donned what might be considered 'appropriate garb'. "We shall see to a feast!" she told the Athosian. "A feast befitting a warrior such as my brother!" And she kissed Ronon, sweetly, on the cheek before she exited the tent, tugging Teyla along with her. She giggled, holding onto the Athosian's arm as if they were the closest of friends.
And once they had gone, the three men sat in silence, in the dimness of the tent.
"Well," McKay finally voiced, rubbing at his neck, which had begun to show the first signs of bruising. "That was your sister."
"Yeah, sister…" Sheppard trailed off. "You never said anything about having a sister. Can't remember you ever mentioning your family."
Ronon sat with his arms crossed over his chest. "I can't remember you ever speaking of family either," he pointedly told Sheppard and then fixed McKay with the same look. "I had no intention of speaking of mine."
"Oh," McKay answered, stepping away from Ronon's glance. "I can understand that, thoroughly. Some things…" and he trailed off. He said nothing further, rubbing his neck as he paced and looking unsettled. And the three men were silent again for a moment. Outside, the festive sounds of Yedeenorog filtered through.
Ronon let out a breath, appreciating the lack of conversation, the lack of questioning. He felt rather proud of himself for silencing the pair. Maybe this wouldn't be as painful as he had thought. But Sheppard kept a scrutinizing watch on him, as McKay wandered close to the tent flap and gazed out at the activity.
Finally, McKay seemed to snap out of the silence when he turned suddenly and stated, "You, Ronon have one HELL of a sister."
Ronon grimaced, realizing he wasn't going to escape. "Yes, I do," he agreed.
"I mean, first off, she was naked. Nakedness – you know is something…" McKay fluttered his hands at the thought. "…something different. I'm not used to seeing naked ladies run down the road and leaping on me. That sort of thing doesn't happen every day!"
Sheppard smirked at this comment, and allowed himself a curt laugh.
For that, McKay fixed him with a stare and muttered, "Okay, might be different for you – but for me – it was a shock. Then she ALMOST BROKE MY NECK!" McKay cried. "Really, she could have killed me. If she didn't kill me outright, she could have paralyzed me - or … crushed me." He shook his head, wincing at the movement. "My neck's going to hurt for weeks."
"It's not that bad," Sheppard tried to assure.
"Easy for you to say!" McKay went on, "Really, if I hadn't had it all displayed in front of me like that, I would have wondered whether she was a really woman at all. She's built like a bear. Well, not a bear, because she's pretty good looking. I probably just said bear because she was… bare. Okay, got that, but she's huge! Like some sort of animal that's really big and powerful and … big. Did I mention that she's big?"
"McKay," Sheppard said under his breath. "Need I remind you that you're talking about Ronon's sister?"
"And bare. That's the naked sort of 'bare' not the 'Grrrargh' sort of bear." McKay still tenderly moved his head back and forth. "You shouldn't let your sister run around like that, Ronon. Naked and all. People will talk."
Ronon didn't respond. Instead he just growled softly, rather like a bruin in hyperphasia.
"McKay, let it go," Sheppard said, noting the strange, sober mood Dex seemed to be in.
"Someone should really talk to her about that," McKay continued, oblivious. "You think Teyla and your sister will bring back some more of those little pasties?" McKay held out both hands like little cups, indicating the size and shape of the preferred cakes. "The ones with all the sugar and that cherry-like thing on top?"
Sheppard ignored McKay's latest comments, and regarded the Specialist, wondering what was going on.
McKay's expression changed, as, chagrinned, he added, "Okay, I meant to say 'pastries'!" He let his hands drop when it appeared no pastries or pasties were forthcoming. "Man...you know, my neck really hurts..."
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Teyla hurried to keep up with Nonor. The Athosian was nimble, and used to quick movement, but the long stride of Ronon's sister kept her hopping.
They careened through the festival village, past tents and booths that displayed their wares for those that deserved them. The sellers fawned over Nonor as the two scurried by. The vendors were eager to give the tall warrior just about anything she wanted – but Nonor was intent on reaching only certain destinations.
They stopped at one booth that looked rather like all the others, offering the same sorts of things, and Nonor spoke excitedly to the man within, ordering this and that, shaking her head at other offerings - and they were off again - searching out a feast befitting of a warrior such as Ronon. They stopped here - but not there - onward to a booth three doors down, then again to an opening four windows further.
Everywhere they went, the vendors looked at her with great love and admiration.
"My brother has always been a great warrior, possibly the greatest male Sateda has had in ten generations," Nonor said proudly. "He nearly reaches my level of excellence. There are so few who can match my skill in everything." And her proud look increased. "But my brother, of course, is special."
"You must have been very close," Teyla commented.
With an eager nod, Nonor explained, "He was my wonderful companion when we were children. I was his shadow, more interesting in playing the games of warriors than the games of those that are not." She smiled sweetly at a memory. "I was with him when he killed his first Wraith. I helped." Her eyes blazed with satisfaction. "He became a man at that moment and has worn the talisman at his neck ever since. It was great when I last laid eyes on it, but he has added to it since then." And she blew out a breath, looking proud and pleased. "I have a similar one myself, perhaps it is even grander, but I thought it would be too showy to wear at the competitions. I wouldn't want to make my fellow athletes realize their inferiority so soon."
"Has it been long?" Teyla asked as she hurried alongside Nonor. "Since you last saw your brother?"
"So many years," Nonor stated as she kept the quick clip. "We had thought him culled. Gone. Forever." She paused, her full lips quivering and her sapphire eyes welling as she took a moment to compose herself in mid-stride. "Life was so difficult after the Wraith took him. I suffered greatly."
With a sniff, Nonor seemed to pulled herself together. "But I am strong. I persevered. I am a Dex! It is a great joy to my heart to find him alive."
"They why are you not with him now?" Teyla asked. "If I were to find one who was lost to me, I would be unable to leave his side."
Nonor laughed. "But he will be hungry."
"He has eaten," Teyla responded.
"But he must have a feast," Nonor insisted. "He is a warrior and they are always hungry. And, I know my brother. It is what he would want. Later, we will talk." And she made a little gasp of delight as she found another booth. They stopped - she ordered - and they went onward - madly pounding through the carnival city. The dash only stopped when they came to a crowd of people, surrounding a little arena. She came to a halt – watching and listening as a dog might, upon hearing a whistle in the distance.
"Oh!" Nonor exclaimed, her voice high and overjoyed. She stretched her considerable height to see over the crowd. "Oh yes!" she cried. "It's what I thought! Come! Come see! This will be my favorite event. The best of them all." She shoved her way into the crowd. People gave way, some begrudgingly – but they all gave way. "I was to participate against an able opponent, but she has resigned from the competition when she heard that she would be facing me. She knew she couldn't best me. It is a pity. I won by default. I will have no final competition." Soon Teyla and Nonor were against the rope that was strung along poles at thigh level, surrounded the grassy area.
The arena itself was empty except for a tent at one end, and one man, who stood at the opening to the tent. Nonor looked on, enraptured, excitedly tugging on Teyla's arm. "It's about to start," she confided eagerly.
Then, two women came out of the crowd, stepping over the fence at the far side. With purposeful strides, they made their way into the arena.
A cheer went up, as the women warriors, garbed in simple form-fitting clothing, met at the center. They lowered their heads, bowing to each other. The man came to them – an official of some sort. And the three spoke together for a moment. The man presented them with their weapons.
Teyla cocked her head, seeing the fighting sticks that she was so familiar with. The women chose from what was offered to them, and stepped back. They moved into position, and following a shout from the man officiating, the fight commenced.
For all their previous hurrying, Nonor seemed perfectly content to stand still and watch, her gaze fastened on the battle. Teyla split her attention between the fight and Ronon's sister. Nonor leaned on the fence, making the rope creak. She watched the spectacle, enraptured.
It went on for several moments, wood cracking against wood, the grunting of the women, the sound of a tussle, someone took a fall and got back to her feet - then the other tumbled. And then, with a shout from the official it was over. A winner was declared and Nonor made a disappointed sound. "A poor match," she muttered as the official brought a trinket from the tent and presented it to the victor. "Hardly spirited. We shall stay for the next one."
And they stayed as two men came to the field. They were surer fighters. Teyla appreciated their speed and intensity. One, she decided, was more experienced than the other. She smiled slightly, anticipating the moves of the less-skilled one, knowing exactly how he'd move and how he should be countered. In the end, it was a good fight that could have been better.
Nonor let out a sigh, sounding disappointed when the fight ended and another prize awarded. She turned her head swiftly to meet Teyla's gaze, seeing something in her glance. "You are familiar with this style of fighting?" she asked.
Teyla lifted her head assuredly. "Yes," she proclaimed. "I have participated."
"And you are … good?"
"Yes," Teyla assured. "I am… good."
Narrowing her pretty blue eyes, Nonor asked, "How good?"
Drawing up to her full height, Teyla said, "Very."
Nonor beamed. "Great!" she cried. She raised a hand and flailed it at the official. "Then, I have found an able competitor! We will be next!"
TBC – CHICK FIGHT!
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A/N: This story continues to be outstanding. If you have read this far, then you must agree. Leave me feedback to let me know how much you adore me. To do otherwise would be wrong and would make me unhappy. You don't want a bitter Genii to be unhappy.
