Title: Conversations
Author: Marianne H. Stillie
Categories: Introspective POV Episode Tag for Duet
Rating: K+
Pairing: Ronon/Elizabeth
Series: Atlantis 'Time' Stories – Story #2
Season: Season 2
Sequel To: Alone
Summary: Ronon Dex is relearning the social arts of listening and talking from various inhabitants of Atlantis.
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters and places for Stargate Atlantis are the property of MGM Worldwide Television Distribution, Sony Pictures Television and Acme Shark Cooper/Wright Productions. This piece of fan fiction was created for entertainment, not monetary purposes and no infringement on copyrights or trademarks are intended. Previously unrecognized characters, places and this story are copyrighted to the author. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
Archive: Please do not archive anywhere without the author's permission.
Copyright (c) 2006 Marianne H. Stillie
Conversations
It's a good feeling not to have their guards at my back. I guess my testing is over. My tests of them will continue.
Finding this isolated tower in the western part of the city is a blessing from the Ancestors. I know I'm going to need the peace and silence to get away from all of them sometimes. And these sunsets will be safer than the ones I lived through during the years I ran from the Wraith.
I learned some interesting things over the last three days. They talk a lot around here, for one. Even when I was eating, Sheppard wouldn't stop. The bad table manners didn't faze him at all. He just kept talking.
He was a good audience in the gym and on the firing range. He understands and appreciates the hand-to-hand skills and my knowledge of weapons. I suspect he'll be a good officer to serve under and to fight alongside.
The sparring with Teyla was like old times, a fellow warrior and equal, to match abilities and strengths with. That is, until Sheppard walked in and distracted her. My survival instincts kicked in and I took advantage of it to subdue her. It was a mistake. Sheppard's reaction was controlled, but I suspect he wanted to grab me by the throat and slam me to the floor, even though he knows I could seriously hurt him. He's very protective of her, more than I noticed before. I'm going to keep an eye on that. Even the most controlled human can't hide that kind of personal feeling.
It's so hard to find the right words to answer back in many situations. It's been so long since I had to interact with people in a normal way. The few minutes of conversations here and a few more minutes there are helping me to remember the right words and react correctly. But sometimes I can't help the silences that mask the uncertainty and confusion. Seven years of enforced solitude are hard to overcome in such a short time.
There are other times I can't get enough of the voices. The women's voices are the most welcome. It's always been a weakness of mine and the seven years haven't changed that. I especially want the minutes of conversation with Dr. Weir to last longer. I listened mostly this morning only because it was very hard to think of more words to answer her questions. She's very puzzled by me, and a little afraid. Next time I'll try a different tactic. Maybe if I smile instead, she'll be calmer and want to talk more. It's been a long time, but I do remember what it's like to want to get to know a woman better.
I'm going to watch and listen closely starting tomorrow. I want to learn their ways so they'll want me to stay. And because I need to stay, for now.