Not Mine--If Wishes Were Horses!! Not intending to keep them; TPTB won't let me or maybe I would. No money for me -- just playing with them. No infringement intended.
Chapter 13 -- Jo'sep gives his blessing
Daniel fretted outside the tent waiting for Jack. It was obvious from the tension in his posture and his facial expression that he was upset.
Jack walked out of the tent and sat on the ground rug beside Daniel. "Okay Daniel, what's got up your butt?"
"It's Jo'sep. I don't think he's going to give his blessing." He looked as if he wanted to cry.
"Now, what makes you say that? He knows how you two feel." Jack had spoken to Jo'sep on Daniel's behalf more than once, and he was beginning to doubt the blessing himself. He understood his misgivings, but the kids were in love. Jack knew it would break both their hearts if Jo'sep didn't agree, but he wasn't going to tell Daniel of their conversation.
"You talk to him, Jack. See what he thinks. I don't want to lose her because of this. It seems like I've spent my whole life alone." Daniel pleaded with Jack.
Hearing Daniel, Sam came out of the tent, holding Grace. The baby was growing; she would be six month old tomorrow. Daniel's mood lifted when he looked at Grace. "Hey there. How's my Gracie," he cooed at her, taking her from Sam.
"You're worrying too much, Daniel. I talked to Nebul. She'll win her father over. He loves her. Daddies have a hard time denying their little girls. Don't they, Jack?" She commented as she winked at Jack.
"You really think so?" Daniel asked, needing Sam's reassurance.
"I do. Just give her a little time. You guys hungry? I have some of the leftovers from supper, if you like. You should eat before you leave. Who's going tonight, Jack?"
"We're waiting on Katep and the other tribe members to decide who's going with us. We have an hour or two before everyone is ready. Teal'c is itching to get going, though. Guess he's right, we can't kept sitting here, waiting 'til Ra finds us."
Ra's Jaffa had raided the tribe to the North of them, relatives of some of their tribesmen. His Jaffa had executed the leaders and then captured many young men and women. Ra had suspected their involvement in the raids on his Palace. Jack felt guilty for that.
This would be their first trip to the Palace since they'd captured the symbiote for Teal'c. It had taken a couple of weeks for Teal'c to get all his strength back, but now he was as fit as ever. He and some of the rebel Jaffa were training the locals in combat maneuvers and weapons handling. Teal'c was ready to get the rebellion started.
They had finalized the details of the plans while waiting for Sam to get better. The rebel Jaffa would attack from the inside while the locals attacked from the outside. They had built a couple more bunkers, and had the stolen weapons and some extra food stuff stored. Jack was pleased with the plan's progression so far, but he knew they still needed more weapons and trained men if they were to have any chance of success. The Jaffa's raid of the northern tribe would most likely add men to their numbers. Each time Ra killed their people, more and more joined forces with the rebels.
"Sam, you stay put; if you see or hear anything, take Gracie down to the bunker." Their tent was on top of one of the bunkers. Jack had enough supplies and water stored to take care of them for several days. Still, he really hated leaving Sam here with all three of them going.
"You know I will," her gaze speaking volumes. "Jack, I love you. Don't forget how much we need you and do something stupid. You can't take all those dumb chances we used to take. I can't do this without you." She was worried. It seemed they spent a lot of time worrying. She would be glad when all this was over and Ra was gone!
"I love you, too. I won't, I promise. Anyway, you won't be there to come up with the "stupid" ideas that we did; you don't think I could think of anything do you?" As usual, Jack tried to joke away the tension between them.
He kissed her, pulling her close. He still loved nothing better than to hold her and just feel her in his arms. She finally belonged to him. She'd made his world complete. He could die a happy man having loved her.
Daniel cleared his throat. "I think I'll go see Nebul before we leave." He knew they wanted to be alone.
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"Dan'yel, I was waiting for you," Nebul said. Her face had brightened the moment she saw him coming; she couldn't wait to tell him her news. She knew he wouldn't leave without coming to see her.
Daniel took her hands, the only part of her he could touch before the mating rites. He watched her eyes. He knew something had changed. "What? What is it?" He questioned her.
"You must speak with Father, please. Before you leave tonight. I think he had changed his mind."
Daniel watched as the emotions played across her face. Her beautiful dark eyes glazed with unshed tears. He wanted to pull her into his arms so badly he couldn't stand it. It was certainly a different experience for Daniel, not being able to show affection or to touch the woman he loved. He really understood what Sam and Jack had been through all those years.
"You think he'll give us his blessing?" He was beside himself with joy. "Can I see him now? Is now good?" Daniel was talking so fast, she barely understood.
"Yes, Yes. Now. Go, Dan'yel. He is inside." Nebul pushed him toward the tent.
Jo'sep was waiting inside. He also knew that Daniel would come to say goodbye to Nebul. He had spoken with his wife and after several long months of indecision, he had finally decided to give them his blessing. Everyone he questioned thought it was the right thing to do. He liked Daniel a lot, he had from the beginning. Anyway who knew, with the rebellion coming and Ra raiding their neighboring tribes, what would be best for his daughter? He knew she wanted this gentle man as her husband.
"Jo'sep," Daniel greeted him. Daniel was panicking. Now that it was here, he couldn't think of a word to say. Not one. He just stared at Jo'sep, finding it difficult to breathe.
"Dan'yel, you have something to ask of me?" Jo'sep tried to lead the conversation.
Daniel still couldn't get the words out. They were at a standstill for several long moments. "You want to ask for my blessing?" Jo'sep tried again.
Daniel's eyes seemed to grow. He had a total look of terror on his face. He still couldn't get the words out. What was wrong? He had wanted this for so long. The man with all the negotiating skills, the man who spoke for nations and worlds couldn't ask for Nebul's father's blessings?
Jo'sep really wanted to laugh, but he knew he had made it hard on Daniel so he took pity. Obviously the man couldn't find his tongue. He slapped Daniel on the back, "Nebul tells me I am to let the two of you have my blessing for the mating rite. Is that right, Dan'yel? Is that what you wished to see me about?"
"Uh. Uh... Yes.. .. Yes. Please." Daniel's mouth was as dry as cotton. Jo'sep hugged Daniel to him in a loose, long-arm hug.
"I am honored for my daughter to have such a union with a good man such as you. You have my blessing. Now, go tell Nebul so she will speak to her father again. Enough tears she has shed because of me."
TBC
Chapter End Notes: Thanks to all who are reading and especially for the reviews! Muse loves the comments!