Author's Note: Added a few scenes in this chapter, so again, even if it looks familiar to you, read it anyway. New readers, keeping ignoring me. :)

Chapter 3

"Hey, are you all right?"

Vala had just stopped and was sitting on a rock for the second time today. They were dressed in their new village clothes, the sunshine having done wonders for the smell, even if they were still a bit stained and off-color. Daniel was carrying the sacks with their uniforms and other equipment that might give them away. They'd decided to walk in the general direction of the village, but still remained careful of being discovered.

"I'm okay, just more tired than I'd like to admit." She bent her head low and simply asked for a moment to catch her breath.

Daniel sat next to her and rubbed circles over her back. He was worried for her, mostly because he had no idea how to help, and this useless feeling kept building up in the pit of his stomach.

He recalled her falling asleep immediately after lunch the day before. She'd murmured something about taking a short nap and promptly fallen asleep, curled up on her jacket and snoring softly. He'd taken the quiet time to think about their situation. Especially how they might get home.

It was nice of Vala to have so much faith in Sam to rescue them, but Daniel had his doubts. Sam was brilliant of course, but it would take more than the Prometheus and a few planet searches to find them. No, he and Vala would have to figure out something by themselves.

Obviously there was a way to get to the Milky Way. The priors were evidence of that. But where did they originate from… Duh! Celestis! Daniel had literally smacked his palm against his forehead when he'd remembered their visit to the "City of the Gods." Okay, he thought next, where is it? And how do we get there?

They'd traveled by rings before. If they were lucky and Celestis was on this planet, could they possibly use the rings on the hill above the village to get there? They'd have to find the correct code, of course. It was a long shot, but it was possible.

Then again, the city was full of priors and other religious zealots. It probably wouldn't be easy to gain access to their stargate. But still, it was an idea worth exploring further.

Later that evening, Vala had woken up and gone to retrieve their clothes which were sufficiently dry. Then she'd done something he hadn't expected at all. She carefully sewed patches into the holes in his pants and shirt.

She had urged him to get some sleep, and promised to wake him in the middle of the night when it was his turn to take watch. He'd laid down then and simply watched her as he fell asleep. If she'd noticed him, she hadn't said anything. No teasing whatsoever. She'd simply finished patching the clothes and laid them near the fire to dry out more completely.

When she'd wakened him well past midnight, he couldn't help noticing her droopy eyelids and had been about to scold her for not getting him up sooner, but she hadn't baited him since before lunch and so he'd kept his temper in check. No use making her feel worse than she probably already felt. Daniel had assured her he was awake enough to keep watch and that she could sleep for the rest of the night. She'd simply nodded, then sat down next to him and let her head fall on his shoulder. She'd fallen asleep before he could protest and move her aside.

He'd tried not thinking about it, but if he was honest with himself, he was glad he hadn't moved her. It kind of felt nice to have her sitting close to him like that, her soft hands curled on his waist, her legs scooted close as if craving his warmth.

He'd risked raising his arm to settle it around her shoulders, but she didn't wake up, merely scrunched closer against his chest. The fire had been built up while he'd been sleeping. It would be a while yet before it would die out. He had plenty of time to rest and think and keep watch.

A moment later, Vala straightened up and brought him out of his early morning memories. "Do you smell that?" she asked. "I think there's a fire burning nearby."

She stood up slowly and strode away from their chosen path, apparently following her nose toward a small cottage. As cottages go, it wasn't much on the outside; two stories, a thatched roof, flower boxes in the windows and a garden in front and around the sunny side of the house. A well-worn path led in the direction of the village and a small, elderly woman in familiar peasant garb was exiting the house and proceeding to weed the garden.

Daniel and Vala hung back at the edge of the forest surrounding the property to quietly observe the scene. It wouldn't do to frighten the woman who might be able to help them. Just as Daniel was deciding on how to approach the kind-looking woman, he heard a man's voice calling from a barn-like building that Daniel hadn't noticed, it being half-hidden behind the house and among the trees.

"Kira! It appears we have visitors!"

He was a man of medium build and height and about the same age as the woman. Apparently he'd noticed them right away and he waved to the woman to join him as the elderly couple walked toward Daniel and Vala.

"I am Ber and this is my wife, Kira, and," he continued cautiously, "you two look to be lost."

"Uh, yes. I'm Daniel and this is Vala, and we are somewhat lost." Both Daniel and Vala smiled shyly, hoping to make good impressions with this couple.

"Where are you headed, Daniel? We can point you in the right direction if you like."

"Ber, can you not see how tired and hungry they look?" The woman looked pointedly in her husband's eyes before turning back to the younger couple. "The least we can do is offer you a meal."

"We couldn't impose on you," Daniel stepped in, thinking if they seemed grateful for any help and looked pathetic enough, Kira might win Ber over for them. "Directions would be fine. We can find our way beyond that."

"But, Daniel…" Vala began softly whining and he squeezed her hand to try silencing her.

Ber eyed Daniel more warily. First contact was so tricky and as much as they needed help, they couldn't afford to offend these people and risk a barbeque. "Look, we didn't mean to disturb you, we'll try to find the village. I believe it's nearby…" Daniel nodded in the direction of the path he assumed would lead them to the village.

"No you don't, young man. You two look as though you've been traveling for hours with nothing to eat and I for one am going to feed you. Come here, girl. Oh, you look so pale." Kira walked up to Vala and touched her cheek, then gathered her around the waist and marched her toward the cottage.

"My wife has a soft heart. I suppose you think you were lucky to come upon us, do you?" Ber's eyes bore into Daniel's and it didn't take glasses to read the caution in the older man's stance. "I am not one to trust as easily as Kira but I believe we can spare one meal."

"We truly do not wish to intrude. The meal would be much appreciated, and then we'll be on our way."

Ber nodded slowly and the two men followed the women into the house. They all sat around the kitchen table while Kira busied herself ladling stew into bowls. The house looked so similar to Harrid and Sallis's house in Ver Eger that Daniel felt an even greater sense of déjà vu. Hopefully their stint in this galaxy wouldn't end like the last one almost had.

"Oh, Kira, this is wonderful!" Vala exclaimed over the stew. "I don't know how we can thank you."

"Well, dear," Kira patted Vala's cheek, "you can explain to me how you came to be lost in the woods, wandering around without food or water. Why aren't you at home with your family, dear?"

"It's noth—" Daniel began but Vala interrupted him.

"Well, I'll tell you. We've been traveling for days and Daniel, here, would not stop for directions no matter how much I begged."

Daniel rolled his eyes and went back to his stew. At least he'd have a good meal before being burned to death.

"Then yesterday," Vala continued without missing a beat, "we were robbed of nearly all our possessions quite a ways from here. Daniel, of course, beat up the six men and saved the rest of our things."

I beat up six guys. He was almost proud of the way she saw him, until…

"They were scrawny young men, though, probably more hungry and desperate than we were." Vala shook her head at the made-up memory and continued her tale, "Anyway, we've been wandering through the forest until I smelled the delightful aroma of your fire."

"Thank the Ori you were unhurt," Ber said evenly.

"Yes," Daniel replied softly, meeting the other man's eyes, "thank the Ori."

"And your family, miss?" Ber prodded.

"We —" Daniel tried again but Vala was quicker.

"Daniel is my family," she smiled genuinely. "We're married, almost six months now."

Daniel had to force the smile he gave to Vala because he was a breath away from throttling her.

"Seems a bit strange to be out traveling with a new bride." Ber responded to their shared glance over Kira's obvious cooing.

Daniel shrugged as nonchalantly as possible. "Work was scarce in our village and we decided to try our luck elsewhere. But Vala, dear," he tried to feign sweetness, "we've taken up too much of their time. We should make our way to the village."

"Nonsense, young man," Kira spoke. "Nightfall approaches and I will not have you out there wandering another day when there is plenty of room here at this house. We'll help get you on your feet and see you settled."

Ber simply watched the two strangers in his kitchen and his eyes dared the younger couple to give him a reason to throw them out of his house.

Again Vala spoke up, apparently intent on smoothing things over. "Kira, I sincerely appreciate the meal, but I believe my husband is right. We can't impose on you a minute longer, as much as I love your home and hospitality." She stood up then, walked around the table to Ber, and extended her hand to him. "There is no way we can repay you now, but please take our heartfelt thanks." She bent to kiss the older man on the forehead and then moved off to the door as Daniel followed, observing the silent exchange of glances between a true husband and wife.

Ber nodded almost imperceptibly. "Wait, child. You've worked your charm and earned yourself a night." He smiled for a brief moment as Vala turned from the door. "And if you and your husband can help around the house and farm, you may earn a week or more. But let's see if we can make you more comfortable for now." Kira was clearly beaming at her husband. She rushed up to Vala and gushed over her as a child would over a new toy.

Daniel watched the scene and answered the man still seated at the table. "I'd be happy to help in any way I can, sir. Thank you, for everything."

"Save your thanks." Ber waved him off. "Let's just see if you're at all handy with a tool." Then Ber guided him out the door. "Follow me, son."

Thank the Ori Ber didn't ask any more questions about him or Vala. Daniel was in such a terrible, conflicting mood now, he had no idea what he might say. Ber simply showed Daniel around the small farm. The animals were similar to those found on Earth and Daniel marveled again about the similarities of life among the stars. They had a cow for milk, chickens for eggs, and a few pigs. Ber explained that the fence around the sty needed repairing so, handing over a few tools, they set to work.

Married. He'd kill her. Something quick. Something painful. Well, not really. Why did he let her get to him like this? They were out here trying to survive, in another galaxy for crying out loud, and she was playing games. He concentrated on the task at hand, if for no other reason than to appear grateful to the man giving them shelter for the night. Shelter that should have included a nice soft bed.

Daniel was truly exhausted, about as much as Vala was, but now, thanks to her, he'd have to sleep on the floor, because, since they were married—he was so going to kill her—Kira no doubt would put them up in a single spare room, with just one bed, that he absolutely was not going to share with Vala. Married. He'd kill her.

Vala looked over her shoulder as Daniel and Ber left the house. Well, that went better than expected. Daniel was probably going to kill her for saying they were married, but really it was the only logical choice. She'd just have to make him see that. But Kira was leading her to a spare room and opening a trunk full of dresses, most of them blue and all of them clean.

"Here you are, dear, I'm sure you'll be much more comfortable in one of these than that dirty old outfit."

"Oh yes, Kira, these are lovely. They even look to be my size, although we may have to let down the hems a little."

Kira beamed up at Vala. "We can take care of that in no time, child. Pick out a few you like and we'll work on them together."

"Oh, I couldn't take all your clothes. Just one or two should get me by."

"But these aren't mine, dear." Vala noticed a tear threaten to surface in the elder woman's eye. "They were my daughter's."

"Kira?"

"It's nothing. She passed away, many years ago. I suppose," she looked over at Vala and smiled, "I've missed having a daughter around the house." She sniffed back her tears. "I'll try not to become too overprotective of you, dear. You have your own life to lead. I would just like to help if I can."

Vala felt her heart break a small bit and reached out to hug Kira fiercely. "You be as overprotective as you wish, Kira. I miss my own mother terribly sometimes. I won't presume to replace your daughter, but I'd appreciate whatever help you can give me…and Daniel." She laughed through the unbidden tears forming in her own eyes. If Daniel had been there he might have accused her of laying it on rather thick, but he never seemed to understand how closely her words came to the truth.

Kira hugged Vala tightly, cementing their bond. But there were chores to be done—weeding and laundry, cooking dinner and hemming dresses—so the two women separated with teary-eyed smiles, rolled up their sleeves and got to work.

"Ber! Daniel!" Kira called from the house. "Dinner will be done shortly. You two should come in and wash up."

Daniel followed Ber to the barn and they put their tools away. When they got to the house, Kira put a stack of clean clothes in Daniel's hands and led him to the back door. "Vala is out washing up in the bath. You should join her before dinner," she said, unsuccessfully hiding a twitch of her nose.

He blushed then, and really hoped Kira would think it was because he was embarrassed about his appearance, not because he didn't want to accidentally run into a naked Vala. He felt stiff with sweat and dirt but he really didn't want to know what trick Vala might be trying in the bathhouse.

Then again, with dinner starting soon, what could she really do? And they were supposed to be married so he really couldn't appear embarrassed about seeing his wife in a bathtub. He shook his head as he walked out the door, firmly closing his eyes as he shut the back door behind him.

"Daniel," he heard Vala calling his name, but she was farther away than he'd expected. He dared opening his eyes to slits, but the copper-looking tub was empty of a soapy, Vala-shaped body. Just half-filled with hot water.

"Over here, Daniel," she repeated. "Give me a hand with these." She was hefting a pail of water that had been heating over a fire. There was a second one behind her that she was also trying to lift. He moved over to her and picked both up.

"Thank you, darling," she said with a brilliant smile as she took the clean clothes from his arms. "A hot bath really does rejuvenate the soul."

"I've been working all afternoon on the fence in the hot sun, and you've been having a relaxing soak. Perfect!" Daniel whined.

"Remind me, Daniel," Vala gritted through her teeth, "how many weeds did you see in the herb garden in front of the house? Tell me, how far away does that well look to you?" She pointed in its direction some thirty yards away. "And how many pails of hot water do you think it takes to fill that tub? Water that takes firewood to heat, firewood that does not gather itself." She raised her eyebrows then and dared him to speak. He wanted to strike back but she continued in a hot-tempered yet sweet voice. "Now, when you eat your stew in a little while, I'd like you to take note of how many vegetables are chopped up nicely. And then, I'd like you to accuse me of wasting the day away in the tub in front of the nice couple who are letting us stay the night."

Daniel opened his mouth to speak and then thought better of it. He really should apologize but he was sore and frustrated and just didn't feel like it. Instead he simply lifted his eyebrow. "You waiting for a strip tease? 'Cause like you, I'd like a little privacy while I bathe."

Vala smirked back at him. "I'd think they'd expect me to stay and help get all your hard to reach spots." Daniel began to grumble, but she put a finger to his lips. "Let's not spoil this just yet, darling." She must've realized he was about to explode because she walked back to the door, leaving him alone in the half-outdoor bathhouse, another hard-on forming unbidden.

Once dinner was over and Daniel and Vala were shown to their room, Daniel quietly shut the door, and using all his willpower he refrained from shouting at Vala at the top of his lungs.

"Married? Are you mad?"

"Not again," she sighed. "Of course I'm not mad, and if you'd stop to think about it, it's the most logical story."

"Wha– I…" he began pacing around the small room. "Logical, are you kidding? Wait, what are you doing?"

"I'm taking this dress off. What does it look like I'm doing?"

Daniel turned around and sighed heavily.

"Oh, relax, there's a shirt underneath. I'm perfectly decent."

"There's nothing logical about us pretending to be married."

"Well, what would you have suggested? Kira had asked about my family."

"You could have said we were siblings or cousins or something," he spoke to the wall.

"You can turn around now, Daniel. And that wouldn't have worked. You and I speak differently. Ber would have picked up on that lie in an instant."

"Well, what's wrong with 'just friends' then, or 'just travelers.'"

"Are you serious? Do you realize where we are, Daniel? The followers of Origin have some pretty strict rules and I doubt they would look kindly on a couple of 'travelers' lost in the woods alone." Vala made air quotes as she spoke and put extra emphasis on the word 'alone.' "This way, by masquerading as a newly married couple, we can spend time together without arousing suspicion and without the need for a constant chaperone. I'd be prepared to wager that Kira would have volunteered immediately for the role."

Daniel slumped down on the bed, defeated. "This is a nightmare. This is an absolute nightmare."

"Yes, well, I've survived worse, and I imagine you have, too. We'll get through this. You'll just have to pretend to like me." Vala flashed him a brilliant smile.

Daniel stood up and shook his head, then grabbed a few pillows and an extra blanket from the bed.

"What are you doing?"

"What does it look like I'm doing?" Daniel mimicked her.

"It looks like you're making up a bed in the corner of the room."

"How observant of you."

"Daniel, I don't think that's wise."

"Oh no no no. Now this is where I draw the line. I am not sleeping in the same bed with you. Period."

"And what if Ber or Kira come knocking on the door, walk in, and see you on the floor, hmm?"

"They won't."

And as if on cue, there was a knock on the door.

"What the—!" Daniel muttered under his breath as he kicked the pillows and linens behind the bed. He went to open the door and Kira stood in the hallway, peering inside.

"Hello, Daniel, Vala. I just wanted to make sure you two had everything you needed before I turned in for the night. I even brought an extra quilt. I think this room gets a bit drafty."

"Oh, there's no need, Kira," Vala sidled up to Daniel and put an arm around his waist, "we like to sleep close when it's cold."

"Oh, you children." Kira grinned. "Well, I'll still leave this with you, just in case."

"Thank you, Kira." Daniel accepted the blanket, perhaps a bit too hastily.

"Good night, Kira!" Vala added cheerily.

"Good night, dears, sleep well."

Daniel closed the door on the older woman's smiling face, reaching up and pinching the bridge of his nose. "This is a nightmare." He picked up the pillows and sheets and laid them out as before, then made himself comfortable on the floor, well as comfortable as he could while sleeping on a hard floor.

"Daniel."

"Nuh uh! Go to sleep! I've had enough today."