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

Summary: A clue to the mystery of Bue and Norena's death reveals itself, but it's discovery is twenty-one years too late.

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

Revelations of the Sweetest Kind

Over the next three months Bue and Norena saw each other often; much to the pleasure of the gossipmongers of the Commerce. Between the balls, plays, recitals, operas, picnics and concerts, they grew closer. No subject was taboo, no topic off limits. They freely shared their opinions, thoughts, hopes and dreams of the future. With every day that passed, Norena's love for Bue blossomed. As she became more acquainted with his childhood, his struggles, his views on life and of the Trade Commerce, she discovered a man of great strength, honor and loyalty; a man that she would be proud to call husband. But, Norena wasn't the only one to make discoveries. Bue also learned much of his future queen. With time he grew to see her quiet strength, unique wisdom, and her endless love and kindness towards others. He hadn't thought it possible to love Norena more, but he was wrong. His eternal admiration and awe of her beauty and gentle spirit grew with every caress and deepened with every kiss. And as they became closer, Bue began to see the wisdom behind Norena's request for time. What he felt for her now far exceeded the love that he'd discovered five months ago and it only continued to grow. He felt it with every breath, with every heartbeat, with every sigh, but more importantly, he knew that Norena felt it too.

"…….Father says that he has received a message from King Bue. It's an open invitation to Tamere that extends to our whole family. I'm so excited that I can hardly breathe. Tamere. Bue has often told me of his home and his words are always full of pride and love. I can't wait to see it, so that I can grow to love it too. I've decided to accept his proposal, if he will still have me, but am unsure of when I should let him know. This invitation is the perfect opportunity for me to do so. Oh, I can't wait to see the expression on his face when I tell him. I am so happy…….."

Tamere

Kane entered the king's study and found him sitting at his desk, lost in thought. Bue twirled a scepter in his hand and stared off into space, but whatever he was thinking of caused him to smile. Kane cleared his throat to get his lordship's attention, but it didn't work. He called to him, but that didn't work either. After the fourth try, Kane decided to take a more direct approach.

"Sire!"

Bue jerked in surprise.

"By the gods, Kane, I'm not deaf."

Kane averted his face and rolled his eyes.

"I saw that."

Kane grinned.

"Forgive me, my king. It's just that I called to you a few times and you did not response. You appeared to be very deep in thought."

Bue sighed.

"I was. I was thinking about the invitation that I sent to Jensia."

Kane smothered a smile.

"The invitation your highness, or the young lady?"

Bue smiled.

"Lady Norena."

He eyed Kane, who stood patiently beside his desk.

"Did you need something?"

Kane shook his head.

"No sire, I merely wished to tell you that all was prepared for the guests' arrival this evening; down to the very letter."

Bue leaned back in his chair.

"Good. Thank you, Kane."

He bowed and exited the room. Bue rose from his chair and turned to look out the window. He smiled. She would be here soon, or rather they would; the Vatures, the Dores, and the Bens. Bue was pretty sure that each of the men had an agenda, Councilman Vature, to discuss Norena's future, Representative Dore, to discuss change in the Commerce, and Sir Ben, a possible business opportunity, or mere curiosity. They were probably all curious; especially Norena or at least Bue hoped she was. He'd told her much of his home and wanted her to love it as much as he did. Bue moved from behind his desk and stepped through the side door leading to the gardens. He walked down the path, pausing at the end and stared up at the statue of Ulipsus. Bue sighed, trying to contain his excitement, but couldn't. He eyed the sculpture that over the years had been his council, his confessor, his mother and his friend. He smiled.

"She's coming home."

Later That Evening……..

Dell Vature stood on the balcony off of his bedroom and looked down into the gardens. He watched King Bue and Norena walk arm in arm down the path and sighed. Lady Ceola placed a hand on his shoulder and leaned into his side.

"It's quite obvious that they love each other very much. Our baby now belongs to another."

She felt his shoulder stiffen and glanced out in the gardens. Bue and Norena were sharing a very passionate kiss.

"Dell?"

She tilted her head when he didn't respond.

"Look at me."

He turned and she cupped his face.

"She's his now. You can see that for yourself. You have to let go."

He let out another sigh. Dell Vature loved his daughters very much. Never having a son of his own, he'd never understood the fuss, when a daughter was so much more precious. What made him love them even more, were their resemblance to their mother, none more so than Norena. If he'd ever admitted to having a favorite child she would be the one; she was his light, his joy, his baby. He knew that she would soon leave them, he wasn't blind. But no matter where she lived, or how far away, she would always belong to him in his heart; as all his girls did.

"……..We've been at Tamere for two weeks and I think it's time. I've waited for the perfect moment to tell Bue, but nothing ever seems right; partly due to interruptions by my family and partly due to our lack of conversation when we do get a moment alone together. I've decided to do it today before there's a chance for interruptions and before Bue kisses me into distraction, but I'm still not exactly sure how……"

Norena poked her head out of the doorway and glanced to her right and left. She quietly closed the door behind her and made her way through the shadows of the hall. Once she made it to the stairwell, she hesitated. After a brief argument with herself, she determinedly made her way up to the fourth floor. On the top floor she made a right and continued down the hall. At the other end of the corridor, she could see the two large doors that led to Bue's quarters. She also saw the guards that kept watch, one stationed on either side. Norena slowed to a stop outside of the doors and smiled shyly at both guards. She wasn't sure what to say. She opened her mouth, but nothing came out. Norena was horribly embarrassed, but she'd come this far and refused to go back. She cleared her throat and tried again.

"I..I'd like to speak with King Bue on a personal matter, please."

Both guards stared at her, but neither moved. She sighed.

"It's very important that I-."

Norena stopped when they glanced at each other and then one of the guards waved her towards the door. She smiled.

"Thank you."

He pulled one of the doors open just wide enough for her to slip through and closed it behind her. Norena glanced around the richly decorated room. There was a balcony that took up the whole wall on the far side of the chamber; it allowed for plenty of light. There was a sitting area, another area that looked like a miniature study and a gigantic bed that took up a majority of the space. Norena walked to the side of the bed and looked down at Bue. He looked as if he had been up briefly and had just fallen back to sleep. She had to climb onto the bed to reach him. The movement must have waked him, because when she sat by his side he opened his eyes and frowned.

"Norena? What are you doing here? Is something wrong?"

She shook her head no.

"You once asked me a question and I did not answer you. And now I feel the need to tell you the truth."

Bue rose onto his elbows.

"What are you talking about?"

"You once asked me what was in my heart; what it felt for you, what I feel for you."

Bue stilled as Norena gazed into his eyes.

"I love you. I've always loved you and I want you to know that I've never doubted you Bue, I doubted myself; whether Icould be the wife you deserved.And now I know that I can. I love you with all my heart and soul. And…if you still want me, I would be honored to be your wife."

Bue sighed. He could feel his body relaxing when he hadn't even been aware that it was tense. He smiled at Norena.

"Of course I want you. I love you and I promise that you'll never regret becoming my wife."

She leaned forward and cupped his face.

"Was it worth waiting for?"

Bue nodded.

"Yes."

Norena kissed him. He deepened it and rolled her beneath him. Their joy quickly turned into passion that ignited and burned out of control. Norena gave in to the yearnings that Bue's touch kindled and melted in the warmth of his flame. She gave him the ultimate gift of her body, mind, heart and soul.

They married a few weeks later. It was the event that the whole of the Commerce wanted to attend, but few received an invitation. Bue refused to have his wedding turned into a spectacle and limited it only to family and close friends. It was a beautiful ceremony, with an even lovelier reception. It was a day that they would both cherish for the rest of their lives.
Teyla continued reading even though she knew the details of the next three months intimately. She scanned through a majority of the pages, but took a little more time the closer she came to the end of the diary. She'd read the last entry, or so she'd thought, until she turned to the next page. It was a short paragraph, just a few lines. Something that Teyla didn't remember because she was on the Daedalus at the time that it would have occurred. But then, how could it have happened unless….. Teyla re-read the passage, and then again one last time and tried to commit it to memory:

"……… I saw her again today; the woman who'd made a pass at Bue. Erwin told me that her name was Rya. Bue had said that she was no longer allowed on the upper levels, but I found her coming out of our bed chamber, as bold as you please. I told the guards to escort her from the Manor and that she was never to be allowed back inside. You'd have thought she was going to the gallows. First, she threw the pitcher of wine that she carried at me, and then she began screaming and cursing as the guards drug her away. My gown was ruined. It was a recent gift from Bue and I hated that it had been destroyed, but if by losing it I never have to see her again, I will learn to deal with the loss..…..."

Teyla glanced out of the window, noting that it was still early evening. Kane, along with John, Ronon and Rodney should have returned from their off world errand by now. Teyla rose from the bed and lifted JT from his portable playpen. She hurried from the bedroom and made her way to the ground level. Teyla found the men talking in Bue's study. Her agitated state must have been quite obvious because John stopped mid-sentence when she entered the room.

"I think I know who killed them."

Kane sat down a document that he had been reviewing and crossed the room to stand beside her.

"What?"

John rose from the desk and took JT from her, he suggested that she have a seat and start at the beginning. Teyla sighed.

"I've completed Norena's diary and on the day of her murder she mentions something that I never experienced. She says that she sees Rya leaving their bed chamber with a pitcher of wine."

John's brow knotted.

"Who is Rya?"

Kane quickly explained.

"Rya is the young servant that caused you two…..Bue and Norena to have an argument a couple of days before they died."

John frowned.

"But, how is that possible?"

Ronon inquired.

"How is what possible?"

John turned from Ronon to Kane.

"How Bue and Norena can argue over a servant's forwardness every time that they come back? Do you tell the servants to do it?"

Kane frowned.

"No and to my knowledge, no one knows about the argument except for myself and a few of the guards."

Teyla glanced up from her seat.

"Is she still alive?"

Kane shook his head.

"Rya's body was found in the forest the morning after the murders. With all of the chaos from the king and queen's deaths, I accepted Leland's report of an accidental death. I never occurred to me to question it."

Teyla rose from her seat.

"How did she die?"

Kane's eyes widened.

"Poison. Rya was well known for two things, her beauty and her knowledge of herbs, but the poison from which she died was extremely toxic. It causes a type of madness as it kills you. The smallest dose, be it from the residue on your hands or clothing, can kill if you ingest it. Leland said that there was residue on her hands and we assumed the worst."

Rodney butted in.

"That's very creepy and all, but it doesn't explain how she comes back again and again, unless…. her spirit is linked to Bue and Norena's."

Rodney stared in horror as he realized what he'd said.

"Are you telling me there's a killer on the loose? Cause I don't do well with killers."

Ronon glared at him.

"If you start freaking out, I swear to the Ancestors that I'm knocking you out cold."

Teyla thought of the old woman she encountered in town.

"What is Ulipsus' Hand?"

Kane seemed surprised by her question.

"Where did you hear of that?"

"A woman in town told me that when the time came, I was to tell you that I needed Ulipsus' Hand. What is it?"

"The antidote; it's the antidote to the poison. The Ulipsus poison comes from a rare flower that grows in the mountains. When the flower's petals are purple, it is poisonous. As the flower dies, its petals fade to white. Only then can they be used to create the antidote."

Teyla glanced at John and then Kane.

"And if I needed the antidote, where could I?"

Kane sighed.

"Cynda, the old hermit that lives in the woods."

He looked at Teyla.

"But she doesn't come out in public. No one has seen her for months."

John's brow quirked.

"Well, something made her crawled out of her hole earlier today. Where can we find her?"

Kane shook his head.

"You won't need to find her. I'll have her brought here."

It was nearly three hours later, when Leland, Chief of the Outskirts Patrol and Devon, his Second in Command, escorted Cynda into the study. By then both Carson and Kate had been informed of Teyla's discovery and were present. Cynda walked into the room and planted her old bones in the nearest seat. She nodded at John and then turned to Teyla.

"Are you ready?"

Teyla stooped beside her.

"I'm not sure what you mean, but you've been brought here so that we may ask you some questions. Is that okay?"

Cynda agreed.

"Yes."

"What can you tell us about the deaths of Bue, Norena, and Rya?"

Cynda sighed.

"Rya was a fool. She was jealous of Norena's beauty and Bue's love for her. In her stupidity, she tried to come between them and when Bue rejected her she was humiliated. She poisoned him in revenge, but the moron was too stupid to take the time to wash her own hands and poisoned herself."

Kane came to stand by the edge of the desk.

"How do you know this?"

Cynda shrugged.

"I came across her in the forest. The madness had already taken her. She was screaming and cursing at people who weren't there and acting very violently. Suddenly, she ran away. I followed and found her body by the river. At first, I thought she'd had a bad fall, but on closer inspection, I saw to blood coming from her ears and nose. It was the poison."

Teyla looked at her.

"Why did you come for me?"

Cynda frowned.

"She's here. Didn't you know that?"

Teyla stared at her.

"Rya is here?"

Cynda nodded.

"Yes and she means to kill you both."

Rodney couldn't stay silent any longer.

"I thought it was dangerous for the sprits to stay in human form for longer than three months and a couple of days. Any longer would kill them."

"Rya's spirit left the host, but it is still here. Bue and Norena have moved on, returned to the mist, but she can't. She hasn't completed her task. I've seen her moving through the forest, searching, angry, lost. I tried to help her move on, but it didn't work. She saw me and tried invade my body, but couldn't. This time the events played out differently and she's had to change with them. She's found a way to reach you, through his dreams."

Teyla looked at John and turned back to Cynda.

"How do we stop her?"

The old woman sighed again.

"You have to go back to where it all began and put things to right."

Kane frowned.

"What?"

Cynda cupped Teyla's face.

"You and your husband were chosen because you're both very special. Your gifts can be used to save you."

Teyla's brow knotted.

"I have telepathic abilities, but John doesn't."

Cynda nodded.

"Yes he does, he just hasn't learned to use them yet. Teyla, spirits talk to you and move through you and you can do the same. You have to go back and save them. And yourself."

Teyla laid her head on John's chest and glanced out from the balcony at the garden below. It was a sight that she knew very well. She allowed John to lift her face and accepted his kiss. She hugged him tight, trying to burn this moment into her memory. He gazed into her eyes, his own filled with worry.

"Teyla, you don't have to do this. We can find another way. I don't want you risking your life for mine."

"John the anniversary is tomorrow. Kate's treatments aren't having any effect. We have to do something."

He sighed and stared out at the night sky.

"What will I do if you don't make it back? What will I tell our son?"

She cupped his face.

"That his mother loved you both so much that she gave her life to protect you. That she's proud of him and watching over him from the Heavens."

John rested his head against hers.

"What can I say or do to get you to change your mind?"

Teyla shook her head.

"Nothing, but I would love it if you told me how much you loved me."

John grinned.

"You know I love you with all of my heart and soul."

Teyla gazed into his eyes and smiled.

"I love you too."

They shared another kiss, before she pulled away and walked back into the bedroom. She took a deep breath and let it out.

"I'm ready."

Cynda waived her towards the bed.

"Lie here."

Teyla did as she asked.

"Remember, when you arrive to tell Kane to send for me."

Teyla nodded.

"Now, close your eyes and try to relax. Breathe deeply and think of your last days here as Norena. Focus on them. Open your mind to those memories. Remember Norena. Find Norena. Let your spirit call to her."

Teyla relaxed her body and breathed deeply. She began to feel drowsy. Her torso and limbs grew weightless and she floated. Darkness surrounded her and then suddenly, there was light.

21 Years Ago……..

Teyla opened her eyes to the brightness of the morning sun. She sat up in the bed and sighed. It hadn't worked. She jumped as the bed suddenly shifted and turned to find John sleeping beside her. Teyla leaned over to wake him, but froze as she grew closer to his face. That wasn't John. He looked similar to John, even down to the pointy ears, but no, it wasn't him. Teyla stared at Bue, noticing the subtle differences. John's hair was black. Bue had dark hair as well, but in the morning light she could see that his was actually a very dark brown. His nose was narrower, slightly hawkish and he wore a full goatee with sideburns instead of a morning shadow. And his eyes, they were a dark grey when John's were softer and often changed to shades of green or hazel with the angle of the light. Teyla froze as the dark grey eyes watched her. She leaned back to her side of the bed and began to scoot towards its edge. Bue's arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her back against chest. Teyla tried to relax, but couldn't. She simply waited to see what he would do next. His deep voice rumbled against her back as he spoke.

"No good morning kiss?"

Bue brushed his lips against the side of her neck. Teyla glanced back at him over her shoulder.

"Still a little angry about the other day?"

Teyla said nothing, she simply stared at him. Bue sighed and let her go. He leaned back against the bed's headboard. Teyla rose from the bed with a sigh of relief and turned to face him.

"I'm not angry. It's just that it will take time for the memory to fade."

He rose from the bed and stretched.

"Good."

Teyla averted her eyes from his nudity, but noted that he and John were similar in height, but Bue was more muscular in build. He also had less body hair and his skin was very tan. She went to the wardrobe to find something to wear, while he slipped into his robe. When Bue walked into the bathroom and closed the door, Teyla sagged against the wall and sighed. That had been close. Once she recovered, she quickly grabbed a dress from the rack and hurried to her private bathroom to wash and change clothes. As Teyla twisted her hair into a bun, she studied the reflection in the mirror. They too looked very similar, but different as well. Norena's hair was long and wavy, her chin was softer giving her face more of a heart shape, and her lower lip was fuller. Teyla tooted her lips admiring their bow shape and noticed the dimples in her cheeks when her face moved. She shook her head at her own foolishness and turned her mind to more serious matters. First, she needed to find out what day it was. Once, she confirmed that she could set her plan into motion. Second, she needed Kane to find Cynda and ask her for Ulipsus' Hand, just in case plan A failed. Keeping Bue at arms length hadn't made the list, but it was an important factor as well. When Teyla was fully dressed, she returned to the bedroom. She found Bue standing in front of a mirror adjusting his over shirt.

"Has Rya been given her new post?"

Bue looked at her.

"Who?"

"Rya, the servant who kissed you?"

He arched a brow.

"I would assume so, but you will have to check with Erwin to be sure. Why?"

Teyla shrugged.

"I was just wondering."

Bue moved to her side and pulled her into his arms.

"Norena, it's only been two days since the 'little incident'. Give it time. In a few months you won't be able to remember her name or what she even looks like."

Teyla stilled as Bue brushed a kiss against her lips. "I'll be in my study. I have contracts to review and am expecting a call from Chairman Corren. I'll see you at lunch."

Teyla hurried down the stairwell. When she reached the ground level she turned left towards the large double doors at the end of the corridor. She needed to find Kane. Today was the anniversary and there wasn't much time. Teyla was entering the thrown room just as Kane was coming out. He bowed his head in greeting and smiled.

"Good morrow, Queen Norena. How are you this beautiful day?"

She laid a hand on his arm.

"Kane, I need your help."

John sat up in his seat and rubbed his eyes. He'd been up all night keeping watch, they all had, but so far nothing had happened. Carson had checked on Teyla a little while ago. He'd said that she was fine, just unconscious. John glanced around the room. It was midmorning, but nearly everyone inside had dozed off to sleep. He stretched. John was tired, but he couldn't let himself do the same; not now. But three months of sleepless nights and cat naps during the day worked against him. Within minutes John's head rested back against the chair and he fell into a very deep sleep.
By early afternoon, the patrolmen had yet to find Cynda. Kane warned that it could take some time because she often went into the mountains to gather herbs for her medicines. As more time passed they decided to proceed with their trap for Rya and hoped that Cynda arrived in time if anything went wrong. Teyla feared that if too many people knew about Rya it could change the occurrence of events, so she asked Kane to only notify the guards outside of the bedroom of their plan. They hid themselves in a Norena's wardrobe. From there, they could see the table on which the pitcher of wine sat and the mirror's reflection showed a clear view of the doorway. Kane crouched down beside Teyla.

"I don't like not telling his lordship about this. It is too dangerous for you, Queen Norena. If something were to happen to you, King Bue would skin me alive."

Teyla glanced at him.

"Don't worry. Once Rya's done we'll yell for the guards and everything will be fine."

They stilled as the bedroom door opened. Teyla held an index finger to her lips and they both turned to see who entered the chamber.

Rodney lifted his head and rubbed his eyes. For a moment he couldn't remember where he was. He heard a noise, like that of a wounded animal and realized that that was what had awakened him. Rodney looked around the room and saw John sitting on the bed near Teyla. The noise coming from John, sounded as if he was in great pain. Rodney hurried to his side and called for Carson, believing that the worst had happened. Somehow, in the middle of the night Teyla must have slipped away. What he saw when he reached John's side was horrifying.

"No!"

He pulled at John's hands as they clutched tightly around Teyla's neck, but he wouldn't relent. Rodney glanced over his shoulder and screamed.

"Ronon, help!"

Teyla and Kane watched as Rya slipped quietly into the bed chamber. She immediately made her way over to the wine pitcher. Seeing that it was only half full, she first sprinkled a powdery substance into the container and then poured in wine from the pitcher that she carried until it reached the brim. She went over to Norena's dresser and picked up a small dagger. It was more for show then for actual defense, but Rya didn't care. She sprinkled it with powder and blew of the excess residue. Rya was placing the dagger back on the dresser when she suddenly turned and glanced suspiciously around the room. She looked towards the bathrooms and Bue's wardrobe, before finally glancing at Norena's. Teyla knew that they had been discovered and chose that moment to confront Rya. When she stepped out from behind the door Rya charged at her, dagger raised. Teyla grabbed Rya's arm and struggled to turn the dagger away. She was strong, but Rya's power was fueled by rage. Kane called for the guards as Teyla forced Rya's arm down between them. Seeing that she was trapped, Rya pushed hard, shoving Norena back, slamming her head against the wardrobe. The force of Rya's momentum made it impossible for her to catch herself when she tripped over the edge of the carpet. She fell hard against Teyla. Suddenly, both women stilled and slowly collapsed to the floor.