Series: Story of Bue and Norena; this is a continuation of the story Tamere.

Theme: Drama/Romance

Characters: John Sheppard & Teyla Emmagan

Rating/Warning: PG-13/Mild Violence, Language

Summary: Teyla continues to read Norena's diary and encounters a mysterious character.

Note: Manipulations of Bue and Norena can be seen at devinem27 dot livejournal dot com.

The Mystery of Love

"……I like and care for King Bue very much. I find him handsome, intelligent, kind, and quick witted. I still wonder about the rumors and would like to get to know him better, so that I can make up my own mind, but unfortunately time is very limited. The likelihood of us seeing each other again after the annual celebration is very small. There's always the possibility of next year, but who knows what my happen by then. I've decided to enjoy his company as much as possible, while I can. My feelings may suffer a bit, but at least I'll have memories to get me by. If it causes talk, I'll make it up to my family, but then I'll have even more reason not to care for Commerce society……."

The Picnic…..

Norena slowly wandered through the garden's maze. It was a glorious day and the tall trees blocked the warmth of the sun, but still allowed plenty of light. She titled her head back to admire the sky's beauty and sighed. She paused and closed to eyes, enjoying a cool breeze that filtered through the trees. Her eyes jerked open when she heard a noise. Norena looked behind her and then turned the next corner and looked down the path. She paused. There it was again; footsteps. Norena clutched her shawl around her and continued through the maze, but this time, with a more determined step. She wouldn't let her imagination get the best of her, but just to be safe she thought it best that she rejoin her family at the picnic area. Norena whipped around when she heard the crunch of gravel. It was very close. She couldn't tell if it was from the left or right, but it was one row over. She stilled and strained to listen. Whoever was there had also stopped.

"Where the hell are you?"

Norena sighed with relief.

"King Bue."

"Norena?"

She smiled.

"I'm over here."

She could here his footsteps coming closer. They came from the left side, continued forward, and Bue rounded the corner of the path in front of her. They would have walked right into each other. Bue frowned.

"What are you doing out here alone?"

Norena's smile grew.

"Asking myself that very same question and you?"

Bue's lips curved.

"Looking for a friend."

Norena couldn't help but wonder who the friend might be, but she kept that to herself.

"Oh, excuse me than."

Bue grabbed Norena's arm as she walked by. He tucked it under his own and turned in the direction that he had just come from.

"Not so fast, kitten. You need an escort."

Norena was somewhat irritated by his highhandedness, but was too pleased with his company to cause a fuss.

"Have you ever been to the center of this maze before?"

She shook her head.

"No."

He smiled.

"I won't ruin the surprise then."

It took them fifteen minutes to reach the center. There they found a gazebo with a statue of the Sun Goddess, Ulipsus. Norena entered the gazebo and placed her shawl on the bench. She moved forward for a closer look at the marble statue. It was very lifelike. Ulipsus was a curvaceous, full figured woman. She wore a toga styled dress and a bejeweled golden crown. In each hand she carried a large round jewel; one emerald and one ruby.

"She's beautiful."

Bue nodded.

"Yes, she is."

There was something in his voice that made Norena turn to look at him.

"You like this statue."

Bue grinned, slightly surprised.

"Yes, very much."

"Why?"

He sighed.

"There is a statue of Ulipsus in the gardens at Tamere. It's larger and out in the open, not hidden as it is here."

"Ulipsus is important to you?"

Bue glanced at the statue and then back to Norena.

"Tamera is a farming community. A large portion of our livelihood depends on the weather. Ulipsus has been kind to us for many years. She has cared for me and mine and I will eternally be grateful."

"I see more than gratitude in your eyes. I see admiration."

Bue's grin widened.

"Ulipsus is called the Sun Goddess, but in truth she represents more;nature, the sun, and the land. She is the mother of life. The artist has captured her beautifully."

Norena glanced at the statue. She thought it beautiful, but she didn't fully understand what he meant.

"How so?"

Bue held out his hand.

"Come here."

She took it and he pulled her in front of him and turned her to face the statue.

"Close your eyes."

She did.

"Try to clear your mind."

"Okay."

Bue laughed.

"That was quick."

Norena turned and glared at him.

"Sorry, close your eyes."

She nodded.

"Imagine that the planet……Tamera is a woman. The wind is her hair, the river, her lips, the mountains, her breast and thighs. She is rich with life, fertile. Imagine that the sun is her lover. His gaze is warm, his affection….nurturing. Because he gives her his attention, she blooms with life. Now, look at Ulipsus."

Norena opened her eyes. She saw the same statue, but this time each line and curve had meaning. Ulipsus' long hair, full lips, breasts and hips represented fertility. The jewels in her hands were balanced, like nature itself; the ruby represented the sun and the emerald the land. The many jewels of her crown represented the planets and suns that littered the galaxy. Norena smiled.

"I can see it."

She turned to him.

"Now that I know, she seems even more beautiful."

Bue smiled.

"I must confess she is my favorite."

As he gazed into her eyes, it occurred to him how much Norena resembled Ulipsus and how she too was fast becoming a favorite of his. He dropped his gaze to her lips and thought of how much he'd like to give them his attention. Bue knew he was about to give in to temptation and sighed. The rogue was making an appearance.

Norena wasn't surprised when Bue kissed her, nor was she disappointed. The gentle, but firm press of his lips and the warm caress of his silky tongue sent shivers down her back. She opened to him eagerly. Bue deepened the kiss further and pulled Norena close into his arms. His hands slowly explored the curves of her body, as she leaned into him. It was the sound of voices in the distance that drew them apart. Bue gazed into her eyes, giving his body a few moments to cool off before he spoke.

"Be careful, kitten, I might decide to keep you."

Norena smiled.

"And give up the rest of the litter, I don't believe it."

He laughed.

"Come on, I'll take you back to your family."

Bue escorted Norena out of the gazebo and led the way out of the maze. They had nearly reached the exit when Norena remembered that she'd forgotten her shawl.

"I'll go back and get it. Keep going on this path, make a left on both turns and you'll be out of the maze in less than two minutes."

"I could just go back with you."

Bue grinned.

"I think you've had enough fun in here for the day. Besides, I can go a lot faster alone."

Bue didn't give her a chance to reply. He was around the corner and out of sight before she could respond. Norena frowned. She'd rather go with Bue than stand around waiting for him and decided to do so. Norena was close to the center of the maze when she heard Bue speak.

"Where the hell have you been, I've been looking for you everywhere?"

A woman giggled.

"I've been looking for you too, sire. Where have you been hiding?"

Bue mumbled a response that Norena couldn't make out. She wasn't sure whether it was because he spoke too softly or her heart beat too loudly. She grasped for breath and held her stomach against its queasiness. She'd been a fool; a most eager one, another lamb for the slaughter. Norena heard the woman giggle again and hurried back the way she came. She didn't want to hear anymore. She couldn't. It hurt too much.

Bue picked up the shawl and exited the gazebo just as Theo and Ina entered the clearing. He glared at his frined.

"Where the hell have you been, I've been looking for you everywhere?"

Ina giggled and Theo shrugged his shoulders. Ina smiled at Bue.

"I've been looking for you too, sire. Where have you been hiding?"

Bue mumbled under his breath.

"Away from you."

"I'm sorry, I didn't catch that."

Bue sighed.

"Here, Lady Ina, waiting here."

She giggled again and Bue smirked as Theo rolled his eyes.

"Please excuse me, I'm running a bit late for a meeting."

Ina frowned.

"But sire, I thought we were going to spend a little time together?"

Bue smiled politely.

"My lady, fate has decided that our time together should never be, and I am one to never go against fate. Good afternoon."

Theo spoke as Bue turned to leave.

"Bue, but what about that thing you were going to help me get rid of?"

Theo's eyes widened and he jerked his head towards Ina. Bue smiled mischievously.

"My lord, I'm sure you're more than capable of handling such a small inconvenience on your own. I leave you to it."

Once Bue disappeared into the maze, Ina glanced at Theo and smiled.

"My lord, may I be of assistance?"

Theo looked at her and curved his lips then looked away and sighed.

The Farewell Dinner…..

Norena wanted to go home. She wanted to lie in the bed with her head buried under the covers and never come out again. But life was not that kind. It was the last dinner of the celebration, a farewell dinner held in honor of the Commerce members' families. Asking to miss the dinner would have caused questions and Norena didn't wish to think, let alone talk, about him. She stood talking to an old school acquaintance when a servant paused by her side to deliver a note. Norena stared at the paper on the silver tray and knew instantly who it had come from. She took it, thanked the servant and made her excuses to her friend. She went to the ladies room for privacy and opened the note there. It simply read: The library. B. Norena knew that she would go, if for nothing else than just to say goodbye, but a part of her wanted answers as well. Because the note gave no time, she left for the library immediately. She only knew of one on this floor and is was somewhat small. It was actually more of a study than a library. Norena slowly opened the door and stepped inside. The room was covered in shadow, it's only light came from two lamps sitting on either side of a fireplace on the far wall. Bue stood from a wingback chair as Norena closed the door behind her. He smiled at her, but her heart hurt too much to return it. She crossed the room to the fireplace and waited for him to speak.

"What happened to you yesterday?"

Norena traced her finger along the detail on the lamp. She didn't face him. She feared he would see through her lie.

"I was called away by my mother."

"I brought your shawl with me, but you'll have to take it to your room."

"Thank you."

Bue stared at her back, she seemed sad.

"What's wrong, Norena?"

She sighed.

"I think I've had more than enough of Commerce society."

He smirked.

"Enough of society or enough of me?"

She grew very still.

"Both."

Bue's brows rose. He slipped his hands in his pockets and walked over to her side.

"And here I thought you were growing to like me."

Norena kept her eyes focused on the base of the lamp.

"I do like you."

Bue grasped her hand in his.

"Then why won't you look at me?"

She did and Bue was shocked by the pain he saw in her eyes.

"What's wrong?"

Norena tried to drop her head, but Bue cupped her chin. She closed her eyes.

"I'm just tired."

His brow knotted.

"If you're so tired, then why are you here?"

She gazed into his eyes.

"I wanted to say goodbye."

"Is that what's causing you so much pain?"

It wasn't the full truth, but it was true.

"Yes."

Bue bowed his head until his forehead touched hers.

"What if we didn't have to say goodbye?"

Norena pulled her head away.

"What?"

Bue looked at her.

"You don't have to go home to Jensia tomorrow. You can go home with me?"

"As your mistress?! Have you lost your mind?!?! My father would disown me!"

He placed his hands on her shoulders and smiled.

"As my wife, Norena."

She stared in amazement. He couldn't be serious.

"This isn't funny, Bue."

He shook his head.

"This isn't a joke."

Bue sighed.

"Norena, I know we've only known each other for a short time and I know I have a reputation that would make most women afraid to be in the same room with me, let alone speak to me. But, the last few days, moments that I've spent with you, have been the most precious moments of my life. Just being near you makes me happy. I love you. And I would be honored to have you as my wife. So, will you? Will you marry me?"

Norena couldn't breathe. This wasn't happening. It wasn't. She wasn't here. She was dreaming. It was dream. It couldn't be real. She closed her eyes, but it didn't stop the tears from falling. She cared for Bue, she cared for him deeply, but she had so many doubts. She would love to marry him, but to accept his hand now would be a lie. She couldn't be his wife and question his word. It would dishonor them both. Norena felt a shiver of dread run down her spine as she looked at Bue. This was not going to be easy.

"King Bue, I'm honored by your offer. I care for you deeply, I do, but I don't feel that it would be right to accept your offer when I have doubts."

She shook her head.

"I'm sorry, but my answer is no."

Norena watched as confusion washed across Bue's face and then suddenly it went blank. She winced as his hands tightened on her shoulders.

"You doubt what?"

Norena jerked from the harshness in his voice. She tried to turn away, but he wouldn't let her.

"You doubt what, Norena?"

Her eyes pleaded with Bue.

"Don't do this."

He stared at her.

"You're the one with doubts. We can't deal with them unless we get everything out in the open. So tell me, what is it that you doubt about me?"

He waited for a response, but she didn't answer.

"My love for you? I can't see how? You've just turned me down and I still want you. At this very moment I'm racking my brain trying to figure out how I can change yours. Do you doubt that I want you? Because I can easily prove that to you."

"Bue-."

"My fidelity? Do you think I would dishonor our marriage by cheating on you?"

Norena looked away.

"Ah, so you believe the rumors, don't you? You think that the first chance I get, I'll betray you. Norena, I can't change my past-."

"Your past doesn't matter."

"Yes it does. It's standing between us even now."

"Bue, I just need time. To know you better, to-."

"Norena, you could see me everyday for fifty years and still not know me. What matters is your heart. What does it tell you?"

She wiped the tears from her face and shook her head.

"I just need more time."

Bue pulled her into his arms.

"What does your heart say?"

Norena knew that he already knew the answer. He just wanted to hear her say it, because if she did, he'd have the power to sway her thoughts and possibly change her mind.

"Don't."

Bue rested his forehead against hers.

"What does your heart say?"

She tried to turn away, but Bue's lips captured hers in a lingering kiss. He trailed them from her mouth to her ear and whispered softly.

"Tell me, Norena."

She gasped as a shiver of pleasure ran down her back. Norena knew that she had to get away from Bue before she gave in to something that they would both later regret. Though she tried to fight it, she could feel herself relax in his arms and eagerly returned his second kiss. When it ended, Norena gazed into Bue's eyes.

"If you love me, if you really love me, wait for me. Give me the time that I need to be the wife that you want and deserve."

He pulled her close and sighed into her hair. This was not going as planned, but then when had his life ever gone as he thought it would. There always seemed to be hurtles blocking his path, but they've never stopped him from achieving his goal. Bue had learned a long time ago that anything worth having was worth waiting for. And it seemed as if that went for a wife as well. He would give Norena time, but he swore to himself that one day, she would be his queen. Bue glanced down at Norena and brushed away the tear that lay on her cheek.

"You shall have it."

"……the moment that I said no, I realized how much I loved Bue Wylan. The disappointment on his face tore at my soul. I would have said yes just to make him smile again, but would have lost myself forever. It would have become my life story, giving everything of myself and hoping, wishing for the same from him. It would have killed me……."
After a night of late reading, Teyla didn't wake until midmorning. She yawned and stretched, but stopped when her foot brushed against something warm. Teyla turned over to find John watching her.

"Good morning, sunshine."

"Good morning. What are you doing still in bed?"

"Taking a nap."

She sat up.

"John, you can't keep napping throughout the day to stay awake at night. Your body needs at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep."

He frowned.

"You sound just like Carson. Stop it, you killing the mood."

Teyla eyed him.

"What mood?"

John reached for her under the covers and pulled her to his side.

"This mood."

She returned his kiss and giggled as he trailed more down her neck.

"Sssshhhh, you'll wake the baby."

"We need to get up."

John arched a brow and grinned.

"I already am."

He captured her lips in another kiss, smothering her laughter and pulled the covers over their heads.

John and Ronon walked through the streets of Tamere. They were accompanied by Teyla, who carried JT. She stopped to admire a piece of fabric in a shop window, when an old woman came to stand beside her.

"It is time to put things to right."

Teyla glanced at her.

"I'm sorry?"

"It is time. She will need your strength or you both shall perish."

Teyla stared at the woman.

"Who needs me? Who will perish?"

The old woman sighed.

"When you are ready, tell Kane that you need the Hand of Ulipsus."

The woman turned to leave as John and Ronon arrived. Teyla hurried after her.

"Wait! What are you talking about? Know what?"

The woman turned back to her.

"Be at ease, Teyla. When the time comes for you to act, you will know it."

Teyla watched as the old woman walked away. She knew this had to do with Bue and Norena, but she didn't know why or how. Or even more importantly, would it help John?

Ronon and John watched as the old woman disappeared around the corner.

"Teyla, who was that, she looks very familiar?"

She glanced at John.

"I'm not sure. She spoke in riddles and didn't bother to give her name."

Or at least, Teyla didn't think it was her name. But she had left a mystery. One that Teyla intended to solve.

"…….We leave this morning and I'm not sure how I feel. My emotions and thoughts are so jumbled that just trying to focus on one thing gives me a headache. Bue and I said our goodbyes last night, they were passionate, hopeful, but the image that stays with me is the look on his face when I turned down his proposal. I hope that one day he understands why I said no. That he learns to appreciate my decision. If I do become his wife, I promise to spend the rest of my days making this wait worth while……."

The Morning After…….

Bue stood by the fireplace, in the very spot that he'd stood the night before. He had one last thing to do before he could return home. He glanced up as the door to the library opened and pushed away from the mantle. It was pretty obvious that the older gentleman was curious about the summons and a bit concerned.

"Councilman Vature, please join me."

Bue gestured to the wingback chairs that sat facing each other, near where he stood. He waited for Vature to take a seat and then sat across from him.

"I know you are preparing to return home, so I won't take much of your time."

Dell nodded in understanding.

"I just thought it was necessary for you to know that I am courting your daughter. I love Norena and would like for her to be my wife."

Bue grinned at the shocked expression on the Councilman's face.

"Are you okay?"

Dell stared for a long time and finally nodded.

"Please excuse me, my lord, but I wasn't expecting this. I didn't even know you were in the market for a wife."

Bue smirked.

"Apparently, neither did I, but that's beside the point. I've already asked Norena to marry me and she said no."

Dell's eyes grew wide.

"To your face?"

Bue nodded.

"Yes, of course."

"I see."

"She's asked me for more time and I will give it to her, but I didn't promise it would be a walk in the park."

Dell frowned.

"Exactly, what does that mean?"

"I want your daughter and I'll do whatever is necessary to have her."

He cut the Councilman off before he could interrupt.

"Don't worry, I would never hurt Norena or force her against her will."

"But?"

"Those are the only promises that I intend to make."

Dell sighed.

"Am I to assume that she was with you last night, for the two hours that we couldn't find her."

"Yes."

"You've seen a lot of each other then?"

"Enough."

Dell leaned back in his chair. He nodded.

"Okay, but if I hear-."

"You won't."

Dell stared at Bue. He'd never had a reason to distrust the young man before and he wouldn't start doubting him now, but he sure as hell planned on keeping a closer eye on his daughter.

"Do you have any questions for me?"

Dell shook his head.

"No."

Bue stood. Dell rose as well.

"Then please excuse me. Safe journey."

Dell bowed.

"The same to you, my lord."

Jensia

"……When we returned home, I had a very long and very awkward talk with my parents. It seems that Bue felt a need to tell my father of our conversation the night of the Farewell Dinner. It was difficult to discuss because I wasn't sure if they knew all of the details or just a general synopsis, but I muddled my way through it fairly well. It all made since when I received a package almost two weeks later. Sara, Alec, Lorena and Chan had yet to go home, so I endured more questions and teasing from them when it arrived. Bue's letter….. it was beautiful, but the kitten that accompanied it was absolutely precious. She's a lovely shade of mocha and has the most beautiful eyes. He said that when he saw her, they reminded him of me and he knew that we belonged together. I've named her Tamera, to remind me of where she came from and who she once belonged to. Nearly, half a day had gone by before anyone noticed the trinket around her neck. It was actually Lori who found it. A bracelet made of gold with a round emerald and ruby charms sitting on tiny gold axis. I was so enchanted by the gift that I didn't immediately notice the looks that the other's shared. My secret was indeed out and had become a family concern……"

Norena ran from the stables to the outer garden. She needed to hurry if she didn't want to be later for dinner. They were expecting a guest from the Commerce, Chan had requested to speak with the gentleman and they both agreed to meet on Jensia, a neutral location. Norena decided to take a short cut through her father's study. She opened the French doors and stepped inside before she realized that the room was occupied. The ongoing conversation stopped and Norena turned and stared.

"Bue!"

It had been nearly two months since she'd seen him. They'd written to each other and had occasional talks via interplanetary communications, but she hadn't seen him in the flesh in what felt like ages. Remembering her manners and that her father and brother-in-law were in the room, she addressed him properly.

"My lord, welcome to Jenisa."

He bowed.

"Thank you, kit….Lady Norena."

They shared a laughed.

"You're very welcome."

Dell cleared his throat.

"Oh, please forgive my intrusion Father, but I didn't know that this room was occupied. I'll just be out of your way, gentlemen."

Norena hurried from the room. She ran up the stairwell and burst in her room to find her mother and sister waiting for her.

"What are you two doing here?"

Ceola Vature rose from the bed.

"Waiting for you. I thought you might want to look extra special for our guest this evening."

Norena's mouth fell open.

"You knew that Bue was coming?"

Ceola smiled.

"Dear child, who do you think suggested it to your father?"

Norena gave her a hug and a kiss.

"Thank you, Momma."

"You can thank me later. Now, get in that tub before the water turns cold."

Norena couldn't remember how she got through dinner or the two hours of conversation that followed. Her world didn't seem to come into focus until Bue asked her to take a walk with him out in the gardens. She was up and they were out the door, before anyone else could speak.

Bue's kisses left Norena panting for air. She buried her face into his chest and sighed.

"I've missed you."

He laughed.

"Really, and I thought all this kissing and cuddling was because you hated my guts."

She pinched his arm.

"That's not funny."

"No it isn't, but one word from you could change all of this."

"Please Bue, not yet."

"When Norena? After I've screwed you against the outer wall, with your parents just a stone's throw away?"

"Don't be crude."

"I haven't begun to be crude. Norena, I can't help wanting you. I want more than kisses and caresses, a hell of a lot more, but it's obvious you're still not ready."

He sighed.

"Come on, let's go back inside."

She pulled away.

"No, we need to talk about this."

"Inside."

"No Bue, this isn't working. The letters, the gifts are wonderful, but it's been two whole months since I've seen you. This isn't right. How can we get better acquainted when we're never together? We need to see more of each other."

Bue agreed with her, but the only place that they could see more of each other, was at the balls held on Southia and its neighboring planets while the Commerce was in session.

"I thought you didn't care for Commerce society."

Norena smiled at him.

"As long as you were there, it wouldn't be so bad."

"People are bound to notice and talk."

She smiled.

"I won't care about a bunch of stupid rumors. Those that really matter to me will know the truth."

Bue pulled Norena into his arms and kissed her. When it ended her glanced down at her.

"Tell me more about how much you missed me."