Part 4

Elizabeth jerked awake, her eyes roaming about the room, trying to figure out where she was. Safe, her mind supplied, safe in Atlantis' infirmary. The memory of her dream faded quickly, leaving her with an oddly nervous feeling. Try as she might, she couldn't recall her dream.

Glancing at the clock, she sighed as she noted it was already a quarter to eight.

"Time to get up," she muttered softly as she swung her legs over the bedside. As both feet touched the cold surface of the infirmary floor, she felt her mind spin and her body falling. Her arm quickly caught the side of the bed and her body leaned heavily onto it as her legs buckled beneath her. Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself and stood. Cautiously she let go when she felt her strength return.

Chastising herself for getting up so quickly, she walked carefully to the chair that held her clothes. Bending down to grab the uniform, her hand stopped abruptly above the pile of clothes.

Slowly her hand descended and gently brushed against the fabric. She kneaded a fold of fabric between her fingertips, marveling at the feel and colors. It felt as if she had never seen her uniform before, as if the world had shifted and her eyes were seeing everything for the first time.

Before she had a chance to dwell on the feeling, she heard Teyla's calm voice talking to someone just outside the infirmary. Deciding that getting dressed would be the best course of action, she grabbed her uniform, trying to ignore the strange feelings that seemed to course through her.

"Dr. Weir?" Teyla called into the infirmary, walking out of Carson's office.

"Yes, Teyla? I'm getting dressed?" she called back, pulling the privacy curtain around the bed. Quickly she undressed and began putting on her uniform.

"Col. Sheppard asked that I tell you that while on leave, you are to wear.." Teyla hesitated, unsure of the word, "civvies?"

Elizabeth smiled as she pulled back the curtain. "It means he doesn't want me wearing my uniform while on vacation."

"Then it is good we are going to your quarters first," she said as she motioned for Elizabeth to leave the infirmary. "I have already informed Dr. Beckett that we are leaving."

Elizabeth sighed as she led the way to her quarters.

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The trip to the mainland was thankfully uneventful. Elizabeth couldn't help but smile as she watched the ocean rush by. It wasn't often she left Atlantis and she treasured every trip out of the city.

As they came closer to the mainland, the puddlejumper rose higher into the sky. It took her a moment to realize John was giving her an aerial view of the Athosian settlement before landing.

When they landed just outside the village, Elizabeth noticed the large amount of activity already going on. People moved about at their own pace, a definite contrast to the city, where everyone seemed to rush about getting to their destination.

With duffel bag in hand, she slowly walked down the ramp after the others. The village was surprisingly large. There were few, if any, permanent buildings. Most were tents that could be readily moved at a moments notice. Taking a deep breathe she noted the smell of earth and forest that dominated the light breeze. Closing her eyes and and inhaling she also caught small hints of smoke and cooking food in the morning air.

As they move closer to the center of the village Elizabeth's pace slowed as the frustrating feeling of something forgotten overcame her again. She closed her eyes trying to concentrate on something other than what she was feeling. She focused on the things around her, taking in all the scents, sounds and vibe of the village around her.

She felt her mind spin momentarily, her eyes opening abruptly at the sense of lost balance. Her breath caught in her throat as she saw ghostly buildings on either side of her, superimposed over the Athosian tents.

She saw men, women, and children dressed in Victorian outfits rushing about the street in front of her, the only light coming from the lit lanterns lining the street.

Her eye caught on a trio of individuals, two men and one woman in rich dress, boarding a black carriage. She caught sight of the familiar man with blond hair as he talked with the raven haired woman. She felt her heart skip a beat as the man looked up and around before settling on her. He smiled at her, waving for her to join them. His mouth moved, but she couldn't hear what he was saying.

"Chevalier," she mumbled, the beginnings of a smile crossing her lips. She was about to take a step closer when a hand on her shoulder made her turn in surprise. Ronan looked at her with his normally stoic face. "This way, Dr. Weir," he said gruffly before turning and walking towards the center of the village.

Looking back, the ghostly images had vanished. Shaking her head, she fell in behind Ronan and the others as they continued on their way to meet with Halling.

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Entering the large tent the smell of warm food greeted them. Elizabeth smiled as she spotted Halling and Jinto at the table eating their morning breakfast.

At their entrance, Halling's head turned to them and smiled. Jinto jumped from his seat and grabbed something before running to John's side.

"Col. Sheppard, look!" he exclaimed, holding out what looked suspiciously like a football. "Charin helped me make it. We have a game for later this evening if you want to join us." He looked hopefully at the Atlantis commander.

"Of course, I'd love to. Maybe we can teach Ronan the pleasures of football," John said, looking to the ex-runner. Ronan just grunted before a small smirk crossed his lips.

"It is good to see you again Teyla," Halling said as he greeted the Athosian leader. "And you Dr. Weir," he said nodding to Elizabeth. "We understand from Teyla that you are here on holiday. Please, Jinto will show you to your tent so you can get settled in."

Jinto gave John the homemade football before going to Elizabeth and taking her hand. He smiled and pulled her towards the tent door, "This way Dr. Weir."

Just as she walked through the door and the flap fell down she heard John ask, "So Halling, what's this problem…"

Elizabeth frowned as Jinto dragged at her hand. She had the distinct feeling they weren't sharing everything about why they were here. She'd have a talk with them later. She sighed, when she wasn't on forced leave.

She let Jinto lead her to a large tent not far from the center of the village. Pulling aside the flap, she stared in wonder. It was spacious, yet had a cozy feel to it. There weren't any personal effects that she could see, it didn't seem she was putting anyone out by being here. She felt a small relief at that.

Grabbing a stick from the fire pit in the center of the tent, Jinto used it to light the lamps. "If you need anything, Charin is in the tent next to yours. She knows a lot and can answer any questions. I'll be around doing chores, but I'm supposed to check in with you occasionally to see if you need anything."

"I'm sure I'll be fine Jinto, Elizabeth said, smiling at the young boy. "Just do me a favor, come get me for your game tonight."

"Really?" Jinto exclaimed. He hadn't thought the leader of the Ancient's home would be interested. "Yes, yes I'll come get you!" he said nodding before leaving the tent to start his day.

Elizabeth smiled as the boy rushed out of the tent. Normally she didn't care for football, but the idea of seeing John, and possibly Ronan, playing football against the kids would be worth it.

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End Part 4

Note: I'm sorry that this hasn't been updated as much as I had hoped. But, when real life strikes one needs to answer its call.