"It's about a half hour flight to the mainland. Teyla says that they've made way too much food anyway, so a few extra mouths won't make any difference."
"Well, if you're sure that she won't mind..." Cameron couldn't help being sceptical at John's suggestion of gate-crashing the Athosian celebration, unsure of the kind of welcome that they would receive.
"She won't. She's invited half the city anyway; the other half are on active duty, else they would be there too. I'll say one thing for the Athosians, they sure know how to throw a party. And you guys deserve to celebrate after what you've just pulled off."
An hour later they walked side by side down the ramp behind the rest of their team members. Cameron watched in amusement as several Athosian children crowded around John, having seen the puddlejumper fly over the encampment. He took the opportunity to break away from the group, taking in the sights and sounds of the planet. He could already hear the music and laughter filtering through the tree line, and increased his pace to match the rhythm. He soon outstripped the others, using the volume of the music to determine his direction.
He came to a halt as he stepped into the clearing, his mouth curving into a smile as he took in the scene before him. Men and women twirled past him in time to the music played on instruments that he had never seen but still looked familiar.
"Colonel Mitchell, I take it?"
He turned to face the owner of the voice, readily accepting the glass of wine that she was offering. "Thank you...Teyla. And thank you for the invite. It seems like you guys are having a great time."
"Indeed we are, I am glad that you could join us. And I hear that congratulations are in order."
"Ah, it was nothing," he replied with feigned modesty.
"Not for you, no, seeing as Sam and I did all the work!"
Teyla turned to see Rodney emerge from the trees. "Rodney, it is good to see you. Ronon has been busy tasting all of the dishes to ensure that they are free of citrus for you."
"Really? I should go and find him then." Sam and Daniel shared a smile as they watched him hurry towards the seating area where the food was being served.
"Teyla, this is Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter, Doctor Daniel Jackson and Teal'c. And I see that you've already met Lieutenant Colonel Cameron Mitchell. This is Teyla Emmagan." Having made the introductions, John lead the group further into the clearing, Teyla and Cameron trailing behind the others.
They paused briefly to allow some of the dancing couples to pass without breaking their rhythm, and Cameron took the opportunity to lean closer and ask, "So, you think that you can teach me to do that? It looks like fun."
She raised an eyebrow, turning to face him before replying. "Very well. But I should warn you that it will take some time for you to master the routine."
He smirked. "Trust me, I'm a quick learner."
"We shall see." His smile widened as she continued on her way, glancing back at him in amusement. Definitely glad we came, he thought as he followed.