Author's Note: Hello all! Sorry I haven't been posting as quick as I usually do, but Christmas plus my little brother's wedding sprang up on me! These three weeks have been a crazy blur, but I've finally found a little time to write. So, I didn't meet my ambitious deadline of Christmas, but I'm plugging away at it anyway. I never leave a story undone (that is just too cruel), so no fear! It may just take me a lot longer than I thought. Anyway, enjoy the next installment, and if there is anyone still reading this, Merry Christmas! Please Review!

Disclaimer: I own no rights to Atlantis or any other various stories briefly mentioned in here.

Rarely did John ever perceive anything in slow motion. In fact, the world seemed to speed by to him at a remarkably fast pace; these three years in the Pegasus Galaxy had shot by like a bullet out of a gun. Yet, the minutes waiting in the infirmary for news of Elizabeth seemed to drag into centuries; each minute seemed like a hundred years had gone by. John sat in an uncomfortable plastic chair near Carson's desk, shivering though the infirmary was warm. He couldn't get the image of her lying in a small pool of blood out of his mind.

A touch on his shoulder brought him out of his dark memories. Teyla had snuck up on him. "I just heard... well, heard rumors. What happened?"

John frowned. "We're still not certain. Carson'll let me know when she's out of the imaging chamber. I... found her in her office unconscious. Carson sent a team to bring her to the infirmary. He hurried so quick to get here; he was in his pajamas still!" John's wry attempt at levity fell flat, and after a moment he said darkly, "I never wanted to see her like this again."

Teyla nodded in understanding. She remembered when Elizabeth had been taken over by replicators; how Elizabeth had fought the invading host through a battle of wills. She also remembered the recklessness John had displayed in saving Elizabeth's life. He had risked his own life that night, and that very act had filled Teyla with a new respect towards her leader. Yet it also filled her with a wariness, too. She was wary of the desire to act she saw in John, though it was not unlike what she saw inside Ronon. It was different with Ronon, though. He was easy to understand, easy to empathize with. Ronon's actions were always larger-than-life, intending to take out many of the enemy. John was... self-destructive in a way. In fact, there were times when John's dark side scared her. Perhaps she did not understand John because he was an alien of sorts. After all, he was from a different galaxy. In fact, all of the Atlantis expedition seemed crazy from time to time. But John was a mystery. "It will be a long night," Teyla stated after a time.

John rolled his eyes. "Actually, it's already morning," he grumbled.

Teyla sighed in irritation. "You're starting to sound like Rodney," she prodded.

That got a smile out of John, and she saw some of the tension in his shoulders melt away. She smiled; they would pull through this time, as they had every other time. Was that not the Athosian way?

oOo

When Carson finally came out to meet John, it was nearing sunrise. John was slumped in the chair, his eyes closed. However, as soon as Carson's subtle throat-clear rang out through the room, John's eyes popped open and he stared at Carson. "How's she doing, Doc?" he asked, sitting up with a jolt.

"Better now, thank God," Carson replied. "She gave me quite a scare for a while there, though."

"What happened?" asked John.

"Elizabeth had a massive buildup of fluid in her lungs; probably from that mission she went on a couple of weeks ago."

"Mission," John muttered. "You mean the mission where Lorne almost got swept away by that flood?"

"Aye, I believe so," Carson replied. "I've seen a couple of Lorne's men for cold symptoms, and I had to give antibiotics to Lorne. But Elizabeth seemed fine then. So now, when I heard her breathing, I crossed her symptoms in the ancient database and I came up with the information on Ataries Syndrome."

"What's that?" John asked, feeling like Carson was stalling for time.

"It, for lack of a better way of describing it, is a Pegasus Galaxy version of pneumonia. In fact, all the symptoms of pneumonia are present, save for the hacking cough. Because of this, most people feel like they are just sick with a cold or are just tired, and they don't seek help until it's too late. The bacteria moves into the bloodstream to the heart... and that's all she wrote. Luckily in Elizabeth's case, we have a strong supply of Ancient antibacterial here in Atlantis. We were able to flood her body with 'em. They should effectively kill off all the bacteria."

John nodded in relief. "So she will be okay then?"

"She should be."

"Should be? What's that mean Doc?" John exclaimed. "I thought you said she was better!"

Carson stared at John intently. "She is doing better, lad." The seriousness of his tone implied what he was not saying, and everything became clear to John. They had come very close to loosing their leader. Again.

After a moment, Carson sighed. "It all depends now if she reacts alright or not to the antibiotics. They were made for Ancients, after all. But, with as sick as she was... human antibiotics would not have done the trick."

"Okay." John ran a hand through his hair. "When will we know when she's out of the woods?" he asked.

"We should know in a day or so... they need time to set in."

oOo

It was a long day. John had gotten a quick couple of hours of sleep after hearing Elizabeth's diagnosis, but it was not enough. He had no idea the amount of work Elizabeth had to do each day! Fortunately, Teyla often helped run Atlantis when Elizabeth was away, and she knew what absolutely had to be done. Still, John had to give the okay for everything, and in the end he ended up practically running his legs off. By afternoon, he was thoroughly exhausted. Still, that did not keep him from running to the infirmarary the moment he had a chance.

Hearing that there was no change in Elizabeth's condition did him no good, though, and in the end Shepherd's restless pacing drove Carson absolutely nuts. "Get outta here," Carson commanded, his tone kind but firm. "In fact, don't you have a story to be preparing?"

John looked back at Carson in surprise. "Oh, I completely forgot about tonight! Do I go Doc? I mean, what if Elizabeth wakes up?"

Carson's eyes narrowed. He was a patient man, but even patience had it's limits (and Carson's limits were considerably shorter today due to lack of sleep). "Look, Colonel... the way I see it, if you go to the mainland, you will always be in radio contact and can be back on Atlantis in ten minutes or less. All'ye doin here is making me jumpy! Elizabeth'll wake up when her body lets her, and given how run down she's been lately... I wouldn't be surprised if she slept through another couple'o days. Besides, I think it'll be good for you to get away from here; you are just lettin worry eat ye!"

John took a deep breath and nodded. Carson's advice was good; right now, John felt as if he would internally combust unless he had some action to do. Yet, he wanted to be there when Elizabeth woke up.

Carson watched John's thoughts play across his face. Normally, John had an excellent poker face, but as a doctor Carson had seen the same track of thought countless times. "I'll call you the minute she wakes, alright?" Carson offered.

John looked at Carson, gratitude in his eyes. "Alright. Thanks, Doc."

"No trouble a t'all," Carson replied.

oOo

Teyla was packing an overnight bag. Tonight was Third-night, the night when her people brought sleeping rolls and slept in the cave. Teyla wished to join them. Third-night had always been one of Teyla's favorites, for after the story-telling, the matrons from the various clans would sing a lullaby to their families. Athosian lullabies were particularly beautiful because they could all be sung in harmony together, and during this night, they would waft through the cavern like a multi-layered prayer.

Even though Third-night was a favorite, Teyla had still debated on going. With Weir ill the morale sunk low, even though Elizabeth was out of the worst of the danger. It was amazing how fast gossip could flow among the people of Earth. In fact, Teyla had to dispel several myths throughout the day; Elizabeth was on her deathbed, Elizabeth had died, Elizabeth was recovering from a bender (though she had no idea where that one came from). It frustrated her from time to time how negative her adopted people were; they all seemed to believe staunchly in Rodney's favorite belief, the Law of Murphy. Yet, for being such a negative people, they didn't really let their worry cut into their work efforts. They city was running well; much the same as it always did.

Teyla was having second thoughts, wondering if her staying would help morale, when her door chimed. "Come in," she called.

The door slid open, and Ronon had stepped in, carrying a big bundle of what looked like furs on his back. "Can I stay with your people tonight?" he asked without preamble.

Teyla stared at him in surprise. "Certainly, you are welcome," she replied. "But why do you want to, if you don't mind me asking."

Ronon blinked. "John says Christmas time everyone spends with their families. Though my family is here, I... miss seeing real families."

Teyla was perplexed; Ronon never opened up like this. Ever. "Christmas is still a week away," Teyla replied.

"Rodney says that they celebrate it the entire season, not just a day."

Teyla nodded in assent. "Very well," she replied. "We're leaving in an hour."

oOo

It was a pitifully small group of Lanteans that traveled to the mainland that night. Besides John, Teyla, and Ronon, only Lorne and Lieutenant Mickleman had opted to come. Every scientist was busy with their own research projects due to the two-week stand down, and the military members of the expedition were bored stiff. Many were using the extra time to practice their skills in war games, using the uninhabited parts of the city. Lorne and Mickleman had gotten killed off already, though, and were eager to get out of the city. (Truth be told, it was kind of a cheat how they got killed off so early; one of the groups had put a traitor in their midst, and the spy had sniped both Lorne and Mickleman before being discovered.)

Night fell, and the Athosians once again packed into the cave. This time, the cave underwent a huge transformation. Every family had brought a bundle of blankets, and when unrolled they created a giant patchwork carpet along the floor of the cave. Some families brought fire-pots, and these were distributed throughout the cave, looking like bright red flowers in the dim light. Small pheasant-like birds were tucked in amongst the hot coals, and in no time the smell of roasting meat made everyone's mouths water. Third night started out with dinner, then came the story, and last came the songs.

Since the Lantean party was so small, everyone dined with Halling. Elizabeth's second absence was duly explained, although to a much more positive degree. Though Sheppard thought Halling was a good man, the soldier in him did not let him reveal the true state their leader was in. Saying Elizabeth was sick and unable to come was as close to the truth as John wanted to get, and Teyla did not correct him (nor did she approach the subject when John left to don his costume).

After they had finished a dinner of raw greens and roasted bird, the fire pots were extinguished, and John stood to take his place upon the platform. Halling began the evening with a speech on the significance of Third-night, as it was the first night that Wraith walked the planet. John barely listened; he was looking at the audience of Athosians, who looked back at him with glowing eyes. "I'm glad I didn't call tonight off," John thought as he took in at all the happy, expectant faces. "In fact, I'm glad I can do something good for someone tonight."

Halling seemed to speak forever, but at last he finished. John took a deep breath and straightened. The room grew still.

"When dusk fell," John began, "the party of warriors from Camelot set out upon their mission to rescue Queen Beth from the Clowns. You'll remember that the party included the Silver Knight, the Dark Night, Lore-Master Meredith, and Court Physician Bones. You'll also remember that Queen Tala was barred from coming as well, which made her pretty angry, but we need not go into detail about her rage."

"It was a very somber party that trudged to the borders of Gondor. Though the four moved quickly, their hearts were heavy with worry. The heaviest heart belonged to the Dark Knight, for he felt that it was his fault Queen Beth had been captured. You see... he had missed the signs that Queen Beth was in danger. He had thought the battle with the Clowns was strange, but he hadn't followed his instincts to turn back and protect her. His lady had been captured, and for a knight, that is the worst failure of all." (The Athosians grew silent, thinking of this strange world that John came from. Really, how much power did these Earth-dwellers have? To the residents of the Pegasus galaxy, the coming of the Wraith was day and night to them. It was the way the world went. That one person would blame themselves over their inability to protect another... it was understandable, but extreme.)

After a moment, John continued. "By dawn, the four came to the borders of Volkswagen. They had never set foot in Clown country before, but now they had no choice. The country sprawled before them like an endless expanse of... nothing-ness. Calling the place a desert is too kind a word; in fact, the land was so desolate that it made a desert look like a paradise. The land sloped and cut into hills and valleys like waves frozen on a choppy sea. The ground itself was a gray, hard clay mud that made a footstep sound like the scraping of fingernails on chalkboards." (Lorne and Mickleman flinched involuntarily at the memory of that particular terrible sounds, while the rest of the Athosians gave John blank stares.)

"Worst of all were the twisted stakes of metal that spiraled out of the ground like some mutated tree. The Clowns moved from place to place using their circus tents, and the metal was their tether to tie them on."

"'Going in there is suicide,' Meredith said, staring at the vacant expanse before him. 'Look, there is no place to hide! They'll see us coming for miles around; this was a stupid plan to begin with. We'll never get her back.'"

"'Don't like it, go home,' the Silver Knight muttered."

"Meredith frowned. 'Well, I said I'd come with you guys, so I'm coming.'"

"'Then quit complaining,' the Dark Knight ordered. The four then stood there in silence, watching the sky lighten, though it did not lighten much. Low gray clouds had settled in the sky, effectively blocking most of the light. The light that did make it through the clouds was a sickly yellow gray, and the wind was a bitter cold that cut through their armor like a knife."

"'Well, if we are going to do this, we better do it,' Bones stated. 'Every hour we waste is an hour Queen Beth does not have.'"

"The Dark Knight was silent for a moment. 'What will they do with her, Doc?' he asked."

"'Probably turn her into a Clown,' Bones stated. 'After all, what would the gain be in killing her? No, if I know the Clowns... they'll want to keep her alive. For bargaining.' A moment passed, and then Bones said, 'Well, let's don our paint and costumes. It won't due to be caught in Clown country not looking like a Clown.'"

"An hour later, the four could barely recognize themselves. In fact, it took some willpower not to want to attack each other. For safety reasons, the Dark Knight had his team don black armbands so they could tell each other apart in battle, if it came down to that."

"'I'm not going to wear this,' Meredith complained.

"The Dark Knight shrugged. 'It's your funeral,' he commented."

"Meredith grudgingly put the armband on, and the team was ready to go. None of them noticed the gray-cloaked figure that trailed behind them."

"For a couple of hours, the trek into Clown territory was deathly still. Like shadows the four moved from one slope in the land to the next, never really coming onto the worn pits in the earth where the Clowns made their roads and camps. Their precaution seemed somewhat unnecessary to the Dark Knight. He figured that if they looked like Clowns, why bother to sneak through what should be their own territory? Besides, didn't Queen Beth need rescuing as soon as possible? Why bother taking the short route?"

"The four stopped to take a quick lunch around noon, and the Dark Knight proposed walking on the paths. 'It will get us there much quicker if we use the established roads,' he prodded."

"Meredith wasn't so sure. 'If we do end up in a camp of Clowns, and there is something wrong with our disguises, it's over. We won't have a chance. After all, we are only four with limited weapons.'"

"'Speak for yourself,' the Silver Knight said. He always carried an unlimited supply of knives braided into his mane of hair." (Ronon grinned at the nod his way.)

"'Still, I think we should be cautious,' Meredith stated."

"'Don't lore-masters have magic?' asked the Dark Knight. 'I thought you went to the CC this year to study under Merlin the Great.'

"'Who, that second-rate string-bean? I am a scientist, as well as a Lore-Master. I don't need beginner magic courses to keep up my skills.'"

"'The CC?' asked Bones."

"'Conjurer's Convention,' the Dark Knight replied.

"'Anyway, I say we are being too cautious,' the Silver Knight chipped in. 'We should be making better progress. And the Clowns won't think anything of us; we look just like them.'"

"'Agreed,' the Dark Knight consented. 'We'll go out onto the roads, and if worst comes to worst... heaven forbid... Meredith can use his magic to get us out of a jam.'"

"Meredith agreed, albeit sulkily, and the four headed out to the roads. None of them saw the gray figure rise like a wisp of fog and follow them."

"Meanwhile, in Pennywise's fortress, Queen Beth was pacing the small room that served as her prison. Pennywise was standing in front of her, grinning from ear to ear. Or at least, his painted face was."

"'You want to know how I got these scars?'" he asked, pointing to his cheeks. Queen Beth turned her face away. 'It was in a battle with your people! These were my first battle scars! And so I said to myself, 'what should I do now that I have my badge of honor? I know! I'll kidnap Queen Beth! Why? Because she's so purty.'"

"Queen Beth stood tall, her eyes shooting fire. She may have been afraid inside, but she certainly didn't show it. 'Why have you really brought me here?' she asked, sounding a little bored."

"The clown frowned. 'Well, if you put it that way,' he scowled. Then, a sickening grin spread across his already sickeningly happy face. 'You are a direct woman. I like direct women. You always know what they want. Well, I'll tell you why I've brought you here. Not for ransom, like you poor pathetic people seem to think you are worth. And not to kill you... I can do that any time. No, Queen Beth, I have brought you here... to woo you.'"

"'What?' Queen Beth questioned flatly.

"'To woo you. Become your Major Amour. To be your chickadee, your partner in crime, your Mungojerrie, your own personal picnic basket. And in return... you shall become my Queen.'"

"Queen Beth didn't flinch a muscle, though Pennywise's words were malicious and meant to frighten. 'Seriously?' Queen Beth queried. 'Don't make me laugh!'"

"Pennywise froze for a moment in rage, then exploded in movement. In seconds he drew out a syringe (you know kids, like Carson's shots he gives you), grabbed Queen Beth in a headlock, and jammed the needle into her shoulder. 'You may change your tune soon,' he laughed in a malicious clown chuckle. 'You see, my dear, I have injected you with a serum that will re-organize your DNA into that of a Clown's. By tonight you will not be able to resist telling a bad pun. By tomorrow, you may even begin to have the urge to learn miming. And the first outward signs of change should start showing... at dusk tomorrow.'"

John bowed a little as the Athosians clapped. He knew his story had been a bit action-less, but he had had little time to plan it with as busy as he had been running the city. He needn't have worried; most of the Athosians were concentrating on the best part of the night still to come; the singing.

oOo

Teyla rose as John stepped off the platform. The platform torches were extinguished, and the Athosians lit candles. The effect was lovely; the clear flames shone in the darkness like stars, making it look like space had settled in the heart of the caves. Ronon looked around at all the families, watching the children's eyes grow wide at the sight of so much beauty around them. Belonging, love, home. Ronon took a deep breath. It had been a long time since he had been allowed the time to think such thoughts. It had been an even longer time since he had allowed himself to dwell on an idea of belonging. A runner was alone; there was no other word to describe them. A curse even, to the residents of the Pegasus galaxy. And yet... Ronon felt as if he really did have a place to belong now. He glanced over at Teyla, suddenly curious at what she looked like in the soft light.

The sight of her took his breath away! Sometime, during John's story, she had run out and changed into her blue gown she wore in Athosian ceremonies. The candle light flickered on her reddish tresses of hair, making it look as if she were glowing. She stood tall and breathed deeply, as if preparing herself for something difficult. The entire cavern became still. Not a single person dared to breathe, not even Ronon. Then, Teyla opened her mouth and began to sing a lullaby. Her clear high voice rose through the caverns like a bird in flight, and Ronon was mesmerized.

For a couple of minutes, only Teyla's voice could be heard. Then, another woman rose from her seat in the sea of people. She was also wearing ceremonial garb. She began singing along with Teyla, and though her song was a completely different song, it harmonized perfectly. The two soprano's songs swirled in the air, gliding around each other like a pair of eagles, bouncing off the walls and echoing in harmony, almost as if they were beings with minds of their own. Then, an alto's voice joined in the song.

Voice after voice joined in every few minutes with a song that perfectly fit. It was like listening to a symphony comprised only by voices. Soprano, alto, contralto, mezzo-soprano, even a tenor lifted up into the air, filling the cavern with song until it seemed as if the very stones would be shaken down, so powerful was the music. Ronon sat transfixed for a while, though what amazed him the most was how beautiful Teyla looked. How come he had never noticed?

It only seemed like a few minutes had gone by when every voice suddenly stopped. The resounding notes from the last crescendo of music bounced off in every direction as echoes, and when the last echoes faded away, the Athosians quietly blew out their candles, lit their night-lamps, and settled down for the evening's sleep. Family groups huddled together close, little ones already put to sleep by the music. There was whispered, happy chattering, but no one dared to speak too loudly, afraid they might break the spell the wonderful music had cast. Ronon spread his blankets next to Halling, and Teyla joined a family Ronon often saw her talking with. Soon, the cave was settled in contented silence.

The rest of the Lanteans trudged back to the jumper in silence, their minds on many different things. Music has a strange way of working on the mind, and every team member (Teyla and Ronon included) was deep in thought. Lorne was thinking about how he could paint the scene he had seen in the caves. Lieutenant Mickleman was thinking about his little sister who sung in choir every year. Back in the cave, Teyla was contemplating the words of her lullaby, wondering if they truly made a child sleep better at night with the Wraith about. Ronon was contemplating how he could ask Teyla on a date without stepping on John's toes. And in the jumper, John's thoughts were already back in Atlantis with Elizabeth, wondering if her condition had changed at all.