Title: Harvest Moon
Series: Stargate Atlantis
Theme: Drama /Romance
Characters: Teyla & (Kanaan/John); Cast of SGA, SG-1
Rating/Warning: R/Sexual Situations/Language
Summary: She'd missed him, his smiles and his teasing, more than she'd realized.
Links: http:/devinem27 dot livejournal dot com
Author's Note: Hi, all. Just wanted to thank you guys again for the reviews. Some of you had a few questions so I thought to give a few answers: Consequences? – Of course, yes, no, he won't get a chance to and you've hit it right on the head. Now, I've actually answered many of your questions, but of course I won't make it easy for you. All will come to light in a short amount of time and for your patience you'll be rewarded tenfold. LOL!
D.
Chapter 4: Back to the Beginning
It was a beautiful day. The sky was clear and the sun shined brightly. It was warm, but not uncomfortably so and a cool breeze carried the soft fragrance of flowers in the air. Teyla walked at a slow easy pace, resting her arms on the P-90 attached to her vest. She could hear voices and other sounds coming from the settlement in the distance and smiled.
"What?"
John asked seeing the change in her expression. She shook her head.
"It's just good to be back and know that my people are safe. I worried that they would not fare well while we were away."
He grunted in response.
In the days since Ryan they hadn't seen very much on each other. Mostly because they were busy with preparations for Atlantis' departure, but partly to give each other a little space. The city had only touched down on a new planet four days ago and after making initial contact with Earth they began sweeps of the planet's surface and ocean. Today was the first off world mission since their return and its purpose was to re-establish contact with the Athosians.
Before long someone spotted them in the distance and cries of welcome could be heard. Teyla watched as some of the children raced out to meet them, excited to see her, but ecstatic to see John, Ronon and even Rodney. They swarmed around them asking questions and searching cargo pockets for candy. She smiled watching as John faked trying to remember where he'd put the candy, all the while hiding it in his vest. She'd missed him, his smiles and his teasing, more than she'd realized.
"Teyla!"
She glanced up and her smile widened at the sight of Halling with Jinto not too far behind him. They greeted each other in their traditional custom. Halling looked from Teyla to John, Ronon and Rodney.
"It is good to see that you are all well. We had begun to fear the worst."
"Atlantis was badly damaged in the fight against the Wraith. The city required many repairs before we could return."
Teyla explained. Halling nodded in understanding.
"Come."
He entreated.
"You have arrived in time to join us for the midday meal. We can discuss what has happened during your absence."
SSSSS
They all gathered around the table for midday meal while John told the story of how Atlantis defeated the Super Hive in battle over Earth. Halling told of happenings with the Athosians while they were away and of a recent important invitation received from Abel Mason.
The name caught Teyla's full attention.
"Abel Mason? I thought he and nearly all of his kind had been culled by the Wraith."
Halling nodded.
"As did we all, but it appears that a small number of them did survive and they are looking to build a new community on an uninhabited planet. For weeks we had heard whispers of such a thing, but had not actually spoken to anyone that was actually involved. And then four days ago a messenger arrived."
Teyla did not try to hide her curiosity.
"Who was the messenger?"
Halling smiled.
"Orin Patthen."
She frowned.
"Orin, but….?"
Halling nodded in understanding.
"I know. There are five tribes total that have been invited to the meeting. All have been attacked by the Wraith within the last seven years and a few were believed to have been completely wiped out. It is said that at this meeting they will discuss the possibility of an alliance. The creation of a new community. A community that is strong in number and yet diverse. It is said that they hope to create a council consisting of the leaders of the original tribes to govern the community. The Council has agreed to send a representative, but they will want to discuss it with you now that you are returned."
Teyla shrugged.
"I can see no reason why we should not go. I am interested to see what they have to say. The idea of a new community is an intriguing one."
"The meeting is scheduled to take place in ten days' time. I am to leave at first light."
Teyla smiled at Halling.
"I shall arrive in time to join you and we shall travel together."
He bowed his head in agreement.
"I shall await your arrival."
SSSSS
Teyla leaned against the massive tree trunk. She gently plucked the petals from the flower she held, watching as they fluttered through the air and landed in the nearby stream. It was very peaceful and quiet. Very different from the steady hum of activity found on Atlantis. It offered her a small reprieve from the noise, from the tension and from Kanaan. She'd yet to tell him of what occurred on Ryan and it was starting to weigh on her conscious. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt him, but he needed to know the truth. She could only hope that he would find a way to understand.
Teyla became aware of quiet footsteps behind her. She didn't turn to see who it was. She already knew. When John paused by her side and quietly stared out at the stream she breathed deeply, inhaling the cool clean scent of his cologne. Using her peripheral vision she studied his profile; his brow, the slope of his nose, his lips and the curve of his jawline. It was a face she knew as well as her own. And yet, there was a new sense of awareness when she looked at him, a more intimate knowledge of him that made his features seemed more vivid, his gaze more intense. Even now as he turned to look at her his eyes glowed bright, smoldering. His gaze dropped from her eyes to her lips and then returned to the stream. He sighed a weary sigh.
"Are you okay?"
It suddenly occurred to Teyla that for the first time in her life his presence made her feel nervous. John looked at her when she didn't respond.
"Teyla?"
A shiver raced down her spine. His voice seemed deeper too.
"I am fine."
She answered and then asked a question of her own.
"And you?"
He nodded.
"I'm good. How is everything?"
She looked away, noting his emphasis on everything.
"I have not told him yet, but I will soon now that we have found my people."
John frowned.
"Do you think that he'll-?"
She wouldn't let him finish.
"I hope not, but I cannot be sure. If that is his wish, then so be it."
He turned back to the stream.
"I'll be sure to give you guys a little space in the coming weeks, while you try and work things out."
Teyla frowned at him.
"Thank you for the offer, but you do not have to do that."
"Yes, I do."
His expression was serious, his gaze distant.
"I need it, for a little while at least."
He smirked.
"Besides we'll still see each other during missions and meetings. And it's not like we won't bump into each other in the city. I'll be around."
Teyla closed her eyes as a deep feeling of sadness settled over her. John was willing to reduce himself to a stranger in his own home to make things easier for her. She should offer to leave, to come and stay with her people for a time, but knew it would only upset him.
"I am sorry that this is so difficult for you."
"Don't be. I chose to help you. I was a willing participant and I don't regret any of it. And neither should you."
He reached out and grasped her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. Their gazes locked and held.
"You made the right choice. No matter how bad things may seem right now. No matter what happens in the future. You made the right choice. Don't ever doubt that. Okay?"
She nodded and gave a small smile.
"Okay."
After her agreement, John was quick to change the subject.
"Are you seriously considering an alliance with these other tribes?"
Teyla shrugged.
"I think it will be in our best interest to at least hear what they have to say. This could be the very thing we were looking for; a way for the Athosians to survive if Atlantis were to return to Earth on a permanent basis."
"I admit it does sound interesting, but a word of caution. Be sure that your people aren't being used in the hopes of an alliance with us. Your people are the only ones who know that our departure may be permanent and for now we wish it to remain that way."
"Many of these people have received assistance from Atlantis in the past, such as Orin and his family. Do you really think that is possible?"
John frowned. He remembered being trapped on Orin's planet while it was culled by the Wraith. It was an event that he hoped never to experience again.
"I think anything is possible, but I'm only asking that you use caution. From what Halling has said it could very well be a legitimate proposal. But then, when has anything ever been exactly what it seemed."
Teyla sighed, considering his words. She felt his hand tighten over hers and looked up meeting his gaze.
"If you need anything, let me know. If you can't find me, tell Ronon and I'll find you. Okay?"
She nodded, but said nothing as John slowly released her hand, turned and headed back to the village.