I ran into the gate room, skidding to a halt at Teyla's feet. She had an amused look on her face as she watched me lean down on my legs catching my breath. I was wearing clothes she had leant me so I could go with her to visit New Athos. I was very excited to meet her people having heard many stories. I wore a fitted crop top that laced up at the back with fitted patchwork pants that were very similar to yoga pants. I was beyond comfortable and considering sourcing clothes while there.
"Are you ready?" She stood straight and with a purpose as they dialled the gate.
"Sure am! Sorry I'm late, it was a bitch to lace this top up." I gave her an apologetic smile.
"You're here now. My people are very excited to meet you." She rubbed my arm reassuring me. "We will be back in a day." She called up to the control tower earning a thumbs up.
I carried a small backpack with a radio in it, alongside water and a couple of apples in case I got hungry on the walk to the camp. I looked back and waved to Sheppard before stepping through. It was a surreal feeling each time I stepped through the Ancestral ring. I took in a deep breath once my feet hit solid ground once again.
I was following Teyla as we walked the worn path leading to the camp. All the while she taught me about her people's customs and culture. It was so fascinating hearing all she had to say. I was staring around us in absolute awe. This truly was a gorgeous world. Time flew and before we knew it, the camp was in view.
We were spotted straight away and children came running towards us, hugging Teyla in form of greeting. I stood there watching with a smile on my face not wanting to spoil the moment. Teyla turned her body facing me, a kind smile on her face.
"This is Effie, the woman I was telling you about." She stretched out an arm to place her hand on my shoulder.
One of the smaller kids peered at me curiously from behind Teyla's leg. I knew down to his level with a smile.
"Hi there. I'm Effie. Who might you be?" I spoke softly so I didn't scare him.
He stared at me for a while working out if he liked me. It wasn't until a big grin spread across his face did I know how he felt. He raced over to me and jumped into my waiting arms. I picked him up resting him on my hip.
"I'm Eomer." He smuggled into my chest making me go all gooey inside.
Teyla looked over at us fondly, "It comes quite natural to you. Suits you." The last part was suggestive which I was well aware of.
The children stayed by our sides as we walked down the path to the camp. We were greeted by Halling who welcomed me with open arms, leading me to his family home. I went to put Eomer down but he refused causing the others to chuckle as I walked in with the boy attached like a monkey.
A bed was set up for me in Teyla's tent and by the end of the night I was glad to crawl into bed. I stripped down to a singlet and knickers, greedily pulling the covers up to my chin. Teyla laughed when she me as she entered.
"Comfortable there are we?" She stripped down to singlet and knickers as well, climbing under her own covers.
"I honestly have never felt so welcomed in my life. Your people are truly wonderful." I was staring up at the roof the sounds of the forest around us in the background.
"Can I ask a question?" She turned to face me.
"Sure." I could feel myself starting to doze off already.
"Why haven't you made a move on Colonel Sheppard?" She watched my reaction carefully. "I mean if you feel the way you do about him, why not do something?"
"I'm scared I suppose. Too many rejections in my life."
Teyla picked up on my change of mood so she dropped it and rolled over. I stayed on my back staring at the ceiling as I thought about what she said. Why haven't I don't anything? Our flirting is outrageous and there's obvious sexual tension between us. Why hasn't he made a move? Sighing deeply I rolled on my side and closed my eyes. It was a nice change falling asleep to the sounds of the forest.
The next morning I was overwhelmed with all the gifts given to me by the Athosian people. Eomer asked me to hold out my arm where he placed a beaded leather bracelet. He struggled to tie it so I helped. I was given clothes, wine and an invitation to visit whenever I pleased. I left with a warm heart. I stared down at the bracelet as we made the hike back to the gate.
Stepping through the Ancestral ring and back in Atlantis I felt a sudden urge to find out exactly where I stood. I told Teyla I would catch up with her later and dashed to my quarters, dumping everything on my bed but keeping the wine jug and cups out. I kicked off my showed and quickly rinsed my face and brushed my teeth before grabbing the wine and heading to Sheppard. This is it. Now or never. I swallowed the puke threatening to come out and didn't dwell on the negatives.